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A cargo building at Auckland Airport was evacuated this morning following a radioactive leak scare.
The major incident was sparked after a package marked "radioactive material" was damaged when it was dropped just before 7am.
A cordon was put up around the area but the incident was declared over after about an hour.
It was later confirmed that no radioactive material leaked from the package
Auckland Fire Service communications centre shift manager Jaron Phillips said: "Obviously then there was some concern if it was dropped that the contents inside may have been damaged.
"Now it's been determined that there was no leak from the package there's thought to be no risk to any staff members."
There were earlier fears two staff members of an Air New Zealand cargo warehouse may have been contaminated with radioactive poisoning.
St John Ambulance communications manager Murray Bannister said no one was treated by the ambulance crew and his staff had been stood down.
Firefighters wearing "splash suits" took readings in the area with geiger counters.
The cargo warehouse is situated between the domestic and international terminals.
An airport spokeswoman said passengers and flights had not been affected by the emergency.
Auckland Fire Service communication centre said all its staff were "absolutely swamped" dealing with the incident.
An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said she did not know how the package had been damaged, but Air New Zealand Security and Occupational Health and Safety would be investigating.
"We do have extremely rigorous processes in place to ensure that those type of hazardous materials are handled appropriately."
The package, containing a large piece of machinery, had been delivered early this morning.
It had been damaged on the outside and the building had been evacuated as a precautionary measure, following standard airline procedures, she said.
Four staff members exposed to the package had been given the all clear by St John.
Arrangements had been made to have the piece of machinery repacked in a safe manner.
Normal operations had now resumed, the spokeswoman said.
- with NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA
