Passengers have been evacuated from an aircraft at Tauranga Airport after a smoke indicator lit up shortly before departure.
A police spokesperson confirmed the alarm was raised after the warning light was activated on Air New Zealand flight NZ8807 at roughly 7:50am on Monday, indicating a possible fire in the plane.
The Christchurch-bound passengers were evacuated as a precaution, a spokesperson for Fire and Emergency (FENZ) told Newshub.
"There was no sign of fire," he said. "Our crew has now left the scene."
Air New Zealand confirmed the travellers were transported back to the terminal.
"Flight NZ8807 from Tauranga to Christchurch this morning has been delayed after a smoke indicator light came on while the aircraft was taxiing to the runway," the spokesperson said.
"Customers have been transported back to the terminal as a precaution and will be accommodated on alternative services."
A spokesperson for St John confirmed an ambulance was called to the scene, but wasn't required.
Engineers are currently inspecting the aircraft.
