A man is in custody after an altercation at Awakeri Hot Springs on Sunday.

Police were called to the hot pools in the early afternoon in response to a man who was scaring those present.

Social media comments described him as going “crazy”, abusing staff and customers.

Locals witnessed about five police cars travelling to Awakeri.

Whakatāne Senior Sergeant Chris Howard said the man was arrested and is in custody.

“It took a lot of police resources. We act based on what people are saying, and when we got there, he had calmed down.”

Police recruitment seminar on tonight

Eastern Bay people looking for information about joining the police force are being encouraged to attend a seminar in Whakatāne tonight.

The police recruitment seminar is targeted at locals who want to make a positive difference for their community.

The event starts at 5.45pm tonight at the Whakatāne police station, where attendees will hear from police staff about the requirements, process and experience of joining the New Zealand Police.

It will also provide attendees the opportunity to have a back-and-forth conversation about the process.

Registration is essential prior to the event by emailing [email protected]