Hundreds of staff and students have been evacuated from a Timaru polytechnic on Wednesday morning after reports of a bomb threat.
Police received a report about a threat made to Timaru’s Ara Institute of Canterbury on Arthur Street around 10am and as a "precaution" people have been evacuated.
There are also cordons in place around a city block at Arthur Street, Grey Road, North Street and State Highway 1/Theodosia Street, police said.
"People are asked to avoid the area and take alternate routes," a police spokesperson said.
Literacy Aotearoa, which is located behind the Ara campus, has also been evacuated, according to Stuff.
Ara Institute of Canterbury's Timaru campus will remain closed on Wednesday following a bomb threat.
Leonie Rasmussen, Timaru Campus Manager, Ara - Te Pūkenga, told Newshub in a statement staff responded to the threat quickly and evacuated everyone.
"Staff at Ara, Te Pūkenga South Canterbury campus quickly responded to a perceived risk to students this morning by taking appropriate precautions, calling police and evacuating the buildings," Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen confirmed the campus will remain closed for the rest of the day because of the likely time it will take police to complete their processes.
Around 250 staff and students have been affected by the situation which continues to be handled by police.
"Students gathered safely with ongoing support staff and student advisors," Rasmussen said.
Around 45 students who travel to the Ara campus by bus are being cared for and return buses have been ordered early on Wednesday.
"Those with belongings left in classrooms have been assured these will be kept safe by Ara staff once they can access the buildings," Rasmussen said
"Any whanau with concerns should contact our team at 0800 242 476."
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) urged people to avoid the area around the polytechnic.
NZTA said SH1 Theodosia St through Timaru around the polytechnic between North and Arthurs Sts are currently closed with police responding to a threat and cordons are in place.
"People are asked to avoid travel through central Timaru if possible as detour routes are being set up around the city block Arthur St, Grey Road, North St and SH1/Theodosia St," NZTA said.
