Man allegedly sought gun to shoot MP Smith

A man who allegedly tried to acquire a firearm to shoot Nelson MP Nick Smith yesterday forced the closure of the politician's Nelson electorate office while police and the country's diplomatic protection squad dealt with the alert.

Dr Smith was not in Nelson yesterday when the drama was triggered about 12.15pm, but staff closed his electorate office in Annesbrook as a precaution.

A community group using part of the building had to leave, and the office remained closed this morning.

Dr Smith said today that the diplomatic protection squad has been "escorting" him since the alleged threat.

Senior Sergeant John Price of Waimea police confirmed yesterday that police were investigating an incident involving an allegation of a threat against Dr Smith.

He refused to comment further today, other than to say that by this morning no one had been arrested relating to that threat allegation.

Dr Smith said he had been advised the man had attempted to obtain a firearm from someone and said he was going to shoot Dr Smith.

Dr Smith understood that when the person refused to help the man there was a threat or incident involving a knife, and the person then contacted police.

Dr Smith, who was yesterday travelling to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, said his only concern was for his electorate office staff, who handled the situation well.

"They're at the frontline and vulnerable."

Dr Smith said he understood the man who allegedly made the threat had a history of involvement with the mental health services and was known to police.

Mr Price said yesterday that police had liaised with the diplomatic protection squad.

- © Fairfax NZ News