Hostage incident sparks AOS callout to Rotorua bank

Photo: Andrew WarnerCustomers and staff who were held hostage inside a Rotorua bank during an armed police incident this afternoon have now left the branch after a nervy hour of negotiations. Police said emergency services were called at about 3.55pm after a man entered the BNZ at the Rotorua Central Mall and took a group of people hostage. The cordons have since been removed but a scene guard will remain in place at the bank where the incident took place. The Rotorua Daily Post was told of a man who went into the bank and noticed a staff member looking stressed. The other shops were rolling down their doors and everyone seemed to be calmly leaving the mall.”She described the mall staff as “calm and professional” in the face of a terrifying situation.