Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A college in Ashburton has closed on Monday after receiving phone threats.
Police received reports of the threats to Ashburton College shortly after 11am on Sunday morning.
Ashburton College's principal Simon Coleman said the threat was a bomb would be brought into the school, and it was specific to one of its blocks.
Coleman said the school has been advised by police to close until more information on the source of the calls could be collected.
In an email sent to parents last night, the school apologised for the late message.
"This is a developing situation that we know will cause inconvenience."
It said the college was working with the police to ensure the safety of students and staff.
"We understand that this is a stressful time for students and caregivers.
"Please be assured we are following our Emergency Management Plan, working closely with police and will keep you updated as further information is received."
Coleman said the school was assessing the situation with police, and aiming to re-open on Tuesday.
This was the second time this week that the institution was targeted, with a 22-year-old man remanded on bail after a phone threat on Wednesday.
He was set to reappear in the Ashburton District Court on 4 March, facing two charges: misuse of a telephone, in relation to the threat, and false allegation of offence, in relation to the wasteful deployment of police resources.
Police said both phone threats were not believed to be connected.