A disgruntled taxpayer who police say was behind a bomb threat that saw Whakatāne District Council offices evacuated and closed on Friday afternoon has appeared in court.
A 70-year-old Ohope man appeared in the Whakatāne District Court on Tuesday charged with trespassing in connection with the incident, which occurred on the last day for quarterly rates payment.
General manager of community experience Georgina Fletcher said customer service staff were alerted by a member of the public to a suspicious package at the council's main building at around 1.45pm.
This led to a procedure to evacuate the building and call the police.
Local Democracy Reporting understands that the red suitcase was left at the entrance to the council chamber.
The incident was captured by security cameras. The suspect is said to have entered the town hall in the morning with a large amount of coins that he had dropped at the customer service desk. He said these were intended for his rates, Local Democracy Reporting understands.
Whakatāne Police Senior Sergeant Roy Glaspey said police were called to the council building on Commerce Street at 1.50pm on Friday after a suitcase was found near the entrance.
The Auckland-based bomber was called and headed to Whakatāne but was withdrawn.
Mr Glaspey said the bomb squad was able to direct Whakatāne staff who examined the suitcase while the building was evacuated and cordons were in place.
The suitcase turned out to be empty. Police then identified the man who left the suitcase there.
No direct threats had been made by the person who left the case in the foyer of the building, Mr Glaspey said.
However, he had previously entered the council building and charges were laid.
“As this is currently moving through the courts, we cannot comment further,” Glaspey said.
“We would, however, like to acknowledge the disruption caused to the local community and thank them for their patience and cooperation.”
The man appeared in court for the first time yesterday on charges of trespassing. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 11.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a $1,000 fine.
Ms Fletcher said the council would conduct its own internal review of the incident.
“The safety of staff and the community is paramount; Any event that disrupts the council's business and affects the wellbeing of staff will be taken extremely seriously.”
The incident resulted in the council extending the deadline for the fourth installment of rates payments from Friday to Monday, as those who wanted to pay at the office on Friday afternoon were unable to do so.
– LDR is local journalism, co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.