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Defence force experts have removed a 60cm-long bomb from a property in West Auckland after a woman dug it up while gardening.
Inspector Ian Brooker said police closed a section of Tapu Rd in Kumeu yesterday morning as a precaution after Dianne Mahon found the corroded bomb.
While the bomb disposal unit removed it, some neighbouring homes were also evacuated.
Warren Mahon and his wife were at their local pub yesterday afternoon enjoying a much-needed drink after the discovery.
"My wife was doing the gardening and was pulling out the weeds and it came out with it," Mr Mahon said.
He took the bomb from her and once he realised what it was, gently put it down on the lawn.
Police believe the bomb was "souvenired" from a nearby bombing range, he said.
"It's phosphorous and they told me I could have quite easily have been burnt. Next time I know not to handle them at all."
Mr Mahon said he had found empty shells on the property over the past several years but never a bomb.
"We were a bit nervous while we were waiting for it to be disposed of.
"It's put us off the gardening for a while."
- NZPA
