The school was one of 13 schools around New Zealand to receive a bomb threat that day.

The calls came between 11.20 am and midday.

These came after 27 schools around New Zealand received bomb threat calls on February 24 and 25.

Police were called to St Thomas More Catholic School after it received the bomb threat call last week.

A Bay of Plenty police spokesman said the school was evacuated according to the school's protocol.

He said all students and staff were safe while police worked through the incident.

A Facebook post from St Thomas More Catholic School on the day said everyone was safe and advised parents to not come to pick up their children as the school was in lockdown.

About 2pm another post was made asking parents who were able, to come collect their children at Arataki Reserve just behind the school.

While the school was on lockdown, nearby aquatic and leisure centre Baywave was also put on temporary lockdown.

Bay Venues chief executive Gary Dawson said police asked them to keep everyone inside Baywave until clearance came from police.

Police have said the bomb threat calls to schools involved the use of a synthesised voice.

Officers were investigating a number of lines of inquiries to establish the origin of these calls.

Police are continuing to work with the Ministry of Education and individual schools to gather information.

Sources

• Bay of Plenty Times
• Stuff.co.nz
• Image: Bay of Plenty Times

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