Japanese students taunted by group with knife

Seven Japanese students were threatened with a knife and taunted with the words "die, die, die" in a racist incident outside Nelson's Riverside Pool, police say.

Nelson Bays area commander Inspector Brian McGurk described the incident, which occurred between 3pm and 3.30pm on Saturday, as "bigotry and almost a hate crime".

Mr McGurk said the students were approached by three men and one woman.

"It's another example of abuse in streets, but the fact that a knife was shown adds a sinister overtone."

Police were "encouraged" by the fact the students reported the incident. Police had dealt with several similar incidents recently and it was believed many more went unreported.

Inquiries to establish the offenders' identities would continue and an interpreter would most likely be used to help with language difficulties, Mr McGurk said.

- nzpa