Police in Hawke's Bay have arrested and charged a man over blackmail threats made to several companies.
The man, who is 55, has been charged with seven counts of blackmail and will appear in the Hastings District Court today.
Detective Inspector Chris Cahill says the threats were received in July and the police decided not to go public about the case until now.
No information has been provided on the names or number of companies involved.
Blackmail is punishable by a sentence of up to 14 years imprisonment.