Bay of Plenty Times reporters spoke to a patient who saw police in her ward, worried visitors unable to see loved ones, and staff told they could not enter unless it was an emergency.
In a statement at about 12.30pm Health NZ said the hospital had “received an [allegedly] threatening phone call from a member of the public” that morning and contacted police, with the hospital locked down as a precaution.
The Emergency Department had remained opened and patients were asked to come in for their scheduled appointments.
It was changed to a partial lockdown at about 2pm, while police searched for a person identified as the suspected caller.
Access to the building was being controlled and armed police remained on-site for reassurance.
Patients were asked to attend appointments as usual and staff to come in for their normal shifts, carrying ID cards.
The police asked that everyone remain vigilant and report anyone acting strangely to on-site officers, security or via 111.
Reporters at the scene said armed police were at the main vehicle entrance off Cameron Rd until about midday.
After this, armed police continued standing guard directly outside the emergency department entrance and main building front doors as people began to be let inside.
Lockdown witness accounts
A patient inside the hospital told the Bay of Plenty Times shortly before 11.30am the police were “right outside our door”.
The patient, who asked not to be named, said they could see two policemen through a small window in the door.
Security guards were also present. They were not sure if armed police were also in other wards.
The patient understood they were in lockdown after a police callout in relation to threats.