Wellington's Queensgate mall has only just opened after quake damage, but now shoppers have had to evacuate.
A "funny smell" was detected around 1.50pm, with shoppers cleared out soon afterwards.
Police and Fire were called to the building around 1.50pm.
The Fire Service sent three appliances, but they weren't needed in the end.
The smell was eventually tracked down to a smoking light-fitting in one of the shops.