Members of the public are being asked to avoid Founders Heritage Park in Atawhai Drive, Nelson, while the NZ Defence Force's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit carries out an assessment of explosive material.
As a result, the carpark of Founders Heritage Park has been closed and a childcare centre and marae in the area have been evacuated as a safety precaution.
There will be a visible Police presence in the area for the next couple of hours while the NZDF's EOD unit disposes of the material safely.
Police want to acknowledge the public for their patience and co-operation while the assessment is carried out.
Police staff are working closely with the NZDF's EOD team to ensure the incident is managed safely.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre