New World Carpark Overwhelmed by Marijuana Smoke

Grocery shoppers in Turangi on Friday got a bit of a surprise when they saw clouds of smoke billowing across the New World car park. 

Marijuana-scented smoke drifted from the town's police station across the road to the car park.

Police have apologised for the accidental inundation of smoke which came from a furnace at the police station where they were burning a recently-seized illegal harvest.

New Plymouth man Adam Green posted a video on Instagram and Facebook of the cannabis clouds drifting past him.

"Couldn't believe it when I walked right by the police station and into the heavy smoke with my three-year-old son," Maria Borum commented. "Maybe that's why he slept so well last night."

Rangi Perewi said: "Someone should have rang the fire brigade and ambulance so all the services get a taste of Turangi hospitality."

And Raewyn Eru suggested: "They could of advertised - Get stoned free in the car park."

Police chiefs were not so thrilled about the gaffe.

"Unfortunately...given the conditions [and] the wind I understand the smoke did drift further than anticipated," Taupo Area Commander Warwick Morehu said.

"I apologise on my staff's behalf to the community and we have already taken measures to change our practice and procedures going forward into the future.

"It is certainly not our intention to cause harm or alarm to our people in Turangi."