Armed police have been spotted near Pahoia School this afternoon.
A police spokesman said police were carrying out an operation in the Waipapa Block Rd area.
"The operation has nothing to do with the school," he said.
A resident told the Bay of Plenty Times there were about nine police cars at the school.
"We have been told to stay clear and stay inside and no one knows what's going on but there is a significant police presence."
