A bomb is to be detonated in a suburban park in Wellington, this afternoon after being discovered buried in the backyard of a Newtown home.
The bomb was found by residents as they started a DIY project, Wellington police communications manager Nick Bohm said.
"It was discovered by the residents who were doing some earthworks to extend the verandah on their property and as they started to do those earthworks they uncovered this ordinance."
The bomb, which was about the size of a 2-litre milk bottle, was believed to be from the 1800s and probably a relic from a barracks that was on the property in the 1900s, he said.
Despite the age of the bomb, it was still believed to be dangerous and had to be detonated, Mr Bohm said.
"It's made from a type of gunpowder that doesn't decompose over time, so the New Zealand Defence Force assessment was that it should be detonated as opposed to removed."
Although unusual, these discoveries happen from time to time, he said.
"They come up every now and again as people do earthworks. I wouldn't say that they're common but they do crop up every now and again."
Wellington police and the Defence Force were to bury and detonate the bomb at McAllister Park.
Police shift commander Bruce Mackay said the explosion would be loud but hoped it wouldn't frighten too many Wellingtonians who were on edge as earthquakes continued to shake the capital.
"We want to make people aware as there maybe some frazzled nerves in Wellington at the moment and we don't want people to be unnecessarily concerned. Our understanding is that noise may be substantial.
"Cordons will be in place, however police are asking people to stay away from the area."
- By George Driver for APNZ
