Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Timaru's Ara Institute of Canterbury campus has closed for the day due to a threat that triggered evacuations.
Emergency services were alerted to a threat at a premises on Arthur Street about 10am on Wednesday.
State Highway 1 around the polytechnic between North and Arthur streets remained closed with cordons and detours in place.
Ara - Te Pūkenga Timaru campus manager Leonie Rasmussen said staff responded quickly to a perceived risk to students by taking appropriate precautions, calling police and evacuating the buildings.
About 250 staff and students were affected.
The campus would be closed for the day while the police completed their processes, she said.
"Students gathered safely with ongoing support staff and student advisors.
"Around 45 students who travel to the Ara campus by bus are being cared for and return buses have been ordered early.
"Those with belongings left in classrooms have been assured these will be kept safe by Ara staff once they can access the buildings."