The New Zealand Defence Force says it regrets concern caused to the public by one of its members training with a gun at the Oval, in Dunedin.
Police were called out yesterday about 10.45am to reports of an armed man in Princes St, and up to seven police cars were seen swooping on the scene, sirens wailing.
Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen said police spoke to the man and ‘‘suggested some alternative ideas to carrying a gun''.
He said it was not a crime to carry a firearm in that situation, as long as it was licensed.
A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman said soldiers regularly undertook fitness training, with unloaded weapons, at the Oval.
‘‘Such training sessions are notified in advance to police.
‘‘On this occasion, a soldier was training under the supervision of an army physical training instructor, but due to a misunderstanding the normal communication with police was omitted.
‘‘The NZDF regrets any concern caused to members of the public.''
