A hole was smashed in the office door and a large knife was found on the footpath near the New Zealand prime minister’s office, local media report
A woman has been arrested in relation to an attack on the Auckland office of Jacinda Ardern while the New Zealand prime minister is away visiting Antarctica, local media reported.
Police said the 57-year-old was arrested at a Coatesville house and was taken into custody, according to news outlet Stuff.
On Thursday morning, police and fire officers attended Ardern’s electorate office in the central suburb of Morningside.
Stuff reported a man was seen smashing a hole in the office door and throwing something inside before smoke came through the building.
A large knife, which, appears to be a machete or small sword, was also found on the footpath, according to a photo published by Stuff.
Police confirmed they are “making inquiries into a report of wilful damage at an address on Great North Road”.
“The incident was reported at about 8.20am, where an object was thrown through a window,” a police statement read.
“A scene examination will be conducted and inquiries remain ongoing.”
No injuries have been confirmed, Stuff reported. The building was unoccupied at the time, with its office-holder almost 5000 kilometres away on the frozen continent.
Ardern and her fiance, Clarke Gayford, reached Scott Base on Wednesday on their second attempt, after a flight on Tuesday was turned back due to poor weather at McMurdo Sound.
After visiting the research station, the prime minister is due back in New Zealand late on Friday.
