While the national threat level remains high, the commissioner has directed staff to have access to firearms until the risk to the community is reduced. Unable to say how long they will remain armed for, police in a statement yesterday said: "In the coming weeks we will be highly visible in all districts across the country. Police Commissioner Mike Bush told Morning Report the country was at a threat level of high. "While we're in that national high threat level, all frontline staff will be armed. We'll look at reassessing that if and when the threat level changes."

Source: Otago Daily Times March 25, 2019 19:41 UTC