Update 2.36pm: Police cordons have now been lifted in the streets surrounding the Totara St Waimarie St Container Port following the earlier discovery of a suspicious item.

Totara Street is now open to traffic.

There still remains a Police presence and some cordons around the Port, and people are asked to follow directions of emergency services.

Roads in Mount Maunganui were cordoned off earlier following the discovery of a suspicious item in Waimarie Street which was thought to possibly be an improvised explosive device.

Earlier, 1.18pm The discovery of a suspicious item at a Waimarie Street location in Mount Maunganui has resulted in Police cordoning off surrounding roads.

"Totara Street has been closed due to an incident at the Totara St Waimarie St Container Port," says a Tauranga Transports Operations Centre spokesperson.

"Possibility of an improvised Explosive Device located."

Police advise that roads are being cordoned in Mount Maunganui following the discovery of a suspicious item on Waimarie Street.

"Totara Street and Hewletts Road are also being cordoned off while Police assess the situation," says a Police spokesperson.

Police have placed cordons at Totara Street/Triton Ave, Totara St / Hewletts Rd and Hewletts Rd/Waimarie Street intersections.

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area for now, to expect significant delays and use alternate routes.

SunLive will update this once further information becomes available.

At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz