Police have been at the scene of an incident in the Tauranga suburb of Matua for most of the day

At about 10 to midday, they were told someone found what they believed to be an item of concern outside a residential property on Rewarewa Place.

As a precaution, nearby residents were evacuated and there is a cordon in place.

The Police Specialist Search Group and the New Zealand Defence Force have been called in to assist.

Our reporter at the scene says there are two police cars, and two special vans, and an officer has been padded up ready to go in.