All Work and Income New Zealand satellite sites and home visit services in the Bay of Plenty have been suspended indefinitely.

The suspension of services is to allow the government agency to review security measures and front line services throughout the country.

Ministry of Social Development acting national commissioner Penny Rounthwaite says the review follows in the wake of the two staff members fatally shot in Ashburton on September 1.

'As a result of the tragic shooting MSD have initiated an urgent review of security. This has meant changing the way we work, including introducing controlled access to our service centres.”

These measures will be in place until the ministry is sure of the safest way to offer their services, she says.

Since the shootings there have been a number of threats made against MSD staff across the country, which the agency has taken very seriously.

'While some of these may be idle threats, Police are taking action on each threat.”

Penny says they regret any inconvenience caused to clients, but 'security must take priority for our staff and our clients at this time”.

Work and Income has asked clients to contact its call centre for more information, and if possible, help will be provided over the phone.

Should an appointment be required clients will need to travel to the main sites.

For more information about Work and Income's new security measures click here.

If you require further assistance call the Work and Income Contact Centre on 0800 559 009.