A man has been arrested and charged over a hoax bomb threat at a Whangarei rest home.
Shalom Court's 29 residents spent hours outside in the sweltering summer heat on Saturday while police scoured the property. Nothing was found.
A 50-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, charged with threatening to cause harm. He faces up to seven years in jail.
"We hope that this sends a serious message to anyone who thinks this type of hoax is a light-hearted offence," says Inspector Al Symonds.
"Police take any threat like this extremely seriously. You will be found and we will hold you to account."
Police on Saturday said there was nothing to suggest the threat was linked to New Zealand's recent diplomatic tussles with Israel. The Hebrew word 'shalom' roughly translates as 'peace'.
The accused is expected appear on Whangarei District Court on Thursday.
Newshub.
