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Bomb threat forces evacuation, lockdown at Otago Polytechnic, campuses shut for day

Otago Polytechnic has shut down its Dunedin and Central campuses for the day after a bomb threat email prompted an immediate evacuation and precautionary lockdown. Otago Polytechnic chief executive Andrew McSweeney said staff became aware this morning of a brief email sent to a department group address containing a bomb threat relating to its facilities. New Zealand Police were immediately notified and are providing advice to the Polytechnic’s leadership team, he said. “We became aware this morning of a brief email which made a bomb threat relating to our facility. This message was sent to a department group email address at Otago Polytechnic,” McSweeney said. He said staff were aware similar threats had been received by other educational institutions in New Zealand, and those were also being investigated. As a precaution, Otago Polytechnic activated emergency procedures shortly after the threat was identified. An email and text message were sent to all students and staff shortly after midday, instructing them to leave campus buildings promptly and calmly via the nearest emergency exits, taking personal belongings with them. Campus buildings were locked down as evacuations took place, and staff conducted walk-arounds to ensure anyone who did not receive notifications was safely guided out. The Dunedin and Central campuses are expected to remain closed for the rest of the day. “These measures are being implemented as a precaution for our ākonga and kaimahi as their safety is our absolute priority.” Students and staff will be notified when campuses are able to reopen via email and text message. Caregivers of residents at the student residential village, Te Pā Tauira, have also been contacted. Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.