White powder sent to Wellington spy headquarters remains a mystery as emergency services head home

Fire and Emergency New Zealand were called around 3pm. Photo / File

White powder sent to Wellington spy headquarters remains a mystery as emergency services head home

The question as to what white powder substance was sent to Wellington's spy headquarters will remain a mystery, for tonight at least.

Police said emergency services have left Pipitea House in central Wellington around five hours after originally being called to the scene.

The building is home to the Government Communications Security Bureau (GSCB) and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS).

"Emergency services have left the scene of a building in central Wellington where a suspicious substance was found shortly after 3pm," police said.

"The substance has been isolated and will be subject to further testing. There is not thought to be any further risk. Police are making further inquiries."

An area of the building was cordoned off as a precaution but neither police or New Zealand Intelligence Community were able to say where exactly.

Earlier today, a spokesman for the New Zealand Intelligence Community said emergency services were called due to standard procedure.

"The Intelligence and security agencies take incidents like this seriously to ensure the safety of our staff."