Powder sent to police bureau not toxic

Suspicious white powder that was sent to the police fines office in central Wellington was not toxic, police said today.

The Infringement Bureau was evacuated and one woman had to be decontaminated after the powder was discovered in an envelope just before 10am, police spokeswoman Elizabeth Young told NZPA.

ESR scientists have since revealed the substance was not hazardous.

Police were now conducting a scene investigation in the building in Cuba Street's Terralink House, Ms Young said.

The affected floor would be reopened to the public "shortly".

An investigation has been launched by Wellington CIB into who had sent the envelope.

This morning five fire engines - including a hazardous material unit - were sent to the office.

The ground floor of the building was sealed off and the woman staff member who opened the letter was put through a decontamination shower.

She was then sent to Wellington Hospital's emergency department as a precaution, Ms Young said.

The bureau is responsible for issuing speed camera tickets and other driving related fines.

- NZPA