Several sticks of gelignite found on the banks of the Kaikorai Stream in Green Island yesterday morning, were later removed by the army's Burnham-based bomb disposal unit for safe disposal.
The gelignite was discovered by a Carnforth St property owner who contacted police just before 11am.
The bomb disposal unit was contacted and travelled from Christchurch to dispose of the explosive.
Acting Senior Sergeant Chris George said police cordoned off the area but were satisfied the "five or so sticks" of gelignite were stable and evacuation of a wider area was not necessary.
Police would investigate how the explosive came to be on the banks of the stream, he said.
"The explosive may have been used for construction some time ago and inadvertently left behind.
We don't think it is related to criminal activity, at this stage . . .
"Although the army indicated it was unlikely to be dangerous in that state we still treat finds like this as serious."
Sergeant Kevin Davidson, of Dunedin, last night said the gelignite was inspected at 4.30pm and was found to be "pliable" and stable enough to be removed.
