It's been confirmed an incident that forced 80 people out of their homes in Levin on Thursday is ongoing on Friday morning.
A man barricaded himself inside a property on Bledisloe St on Thursday afternoon, with police saying he was threatening self-harm.
Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution, with some spending the night in motels and at the Horowhenua Library.
In an update on Friday morning, police said a negotiation team remained in contact with the man.
"Bledisloe St will remain cordoned between Freyberg and Cobham Sts until the incident is resolved and members of the public are asked to avoid the area until further notice."
Police officers, St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand remained at the scene on Friday morning.
"We know it can be upsetting to be asked to leave your home - especially when we're not able to say much about the incident that's prompted this - but public safety must always be our number one priority," Manawatū area commander Insp Sarah Stewart said.
"The welfare of the displaced residents is very important and we're grateful to Horowhenua District Council staff who are assisting with temporary accommodation when displaced residents don't have family or friends nearby to stay with."
Any directly affected residents who had concerns were being asked to visit the Levin police station, or call 105 and quote file number P051449147.
