UPDATED: Brookfield School has been evacuated following a bomb threat this afternoon.

Children and staff were seen moving to an adjacent field just before 1pm.

Police at Brookfield School. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

"All staff and children have been accounted for and have been removed to a nearby reserve," says a statement from police.

"Initial investigations have identified that a number of schools around New Zealand have received threats.

"Inquiries continue with respect to the origin of the threats. Police are currently in the process of searching the school prior to any decision being made with regards to persons returning to the premises."

Principal Robert Hyndman is advising parents to pick their children up when they can.

The threat appears not to be just localised to Tauranga, with police dealing with a number of incidents around the country.

"Police staff are currently in attendance at each school and are working with the leadership teams to determine the individual response at each school," says police.

"The priority for police and the schools is to ensure the safety of students and staff.

"Police have well established procedures for dealing with such incidents and we are currently working through those procedures with each of the schools at the moment."

Reports are emerging of Brookfield School being evacuated.

A resident in the area says police are at the school and children can be seen moving to the adjacent field.

It's unclear what is happening and SunLive is working on getting more information.

Another resident says police can be seen searching the school.

SunLive understands the evacuation is a precautionary measure.

We will bring you more information soon.