The powder which sparked a hazardous callout at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council yesterday has come back as being harmless.

A suspicious substance was found in the mail at the council offices on Barkes Corner.

Emergency services at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council yesterday.

Staff at the council had to go through decontamination showers as a result of the substance.

Today, police confirmed the suspicious substance found in a mail item has been tested and is not deemed harmful.

The part of the building where the item was discovered is in the process of being reopened following a precautionary 24 hour quarantine period, says a statement from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

'All affected staff are back on deck, and it's business as usual at council's Barkes Corner head office.

'Council is aware that for investigative reasons police will not be disclosing the nature of the substance.”