Emergency services at Parliament after white powder found in envelope

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) have been called to Parliament after a "suspicious" envelope with white powder was opened at the Beehive. 

A security guard confirmed to Newshub that a small envelope of white powder was opened on level eight of the Beehive, a floor below Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's office, where her mail gets sent. 

FENZ said three fire units were at Parliament. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from NZ Defence Force also attended the scene.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said FENZ's presence at Parliament related to a "suspicious parcel" being received, not an explosive.

Police were notified just after 10am of reports of an "item of interest" located at Parliament, a spokesperson told Newshub. 

"Enquiries are underway to determine what the item is and assess any risk posed. One area has been isolated as a precaution."

Police later confirmed to Newshub that the substance was found to be an "innocuous mineral substance" and there was no risk to anyone involved.

The area was cleared at about 12:15pm.