Dunedin high school locked down over threat, Wellington school evacuated after bomb threat

Police are investigating after a bomb threat was made to Wellington East Girls' College.

In an email sent to parents, Principal Gael Ashworth said they had received an email threat about "an explosive device in a bathroom".

Police said the school was evacuated as a precaution and nothing untoward was found.

"We would like to reassure the public that we believe there is no credible threat and would like to thank the staff and pupils at the school for their patience."

Ashworth said the school had been assured it was now safe to resume normal activities.

"Classes will proceed as usual tomorrow."

She said the school understood such incidents could be unsettling and counselling services were available.

RNZ had earlier contacted Wellington East Girls' College and were told it was a fire alarm that had taken longer than usual.

Dunedin school went into lockdown

Bayfield High School in Dunedin was locked down after receiving a threatening email on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, Wellington East Girls' College was evacuated after a bomb threat.

Armed police were at Bayfield High School and accompanying students from the school, which has closed for the day.

A police spokesperson said they were alerted at 8.17am.

"Police are making enquiries into a threatening email sent to Bayfield High School this morning," the spokesperson said.

"Police are working to establish the origin of the correspondence. Cordons are in place and a visible police presence will be in the area while enquiries are ongoing."

A message on the school's website said it had closed the school and any students not already at school should stay home.

"School is in lockdown effective immediately. As a precaution we are going to close the school for the day," the message said.

Acting principal Mike Beagley later said a "managed evacuation" had been carried out.

"Our thanks to all parents and caregivers for their support and help in making this run smoothly."

The school would reopen as normal on Wednesday.

Beagley said police were satisfied that it was safe to do so.

Police said they were working with the Ministry of Education.