The Earthquake Commission (EQC) has increased security at all of its offices after it received a threatening letter referencing the Christchurch terror attack. 

EQC is working with police, who are investigating the anonymous letter that threatened EQC staff. It was received on May 1. 

EQC Minister Megan Woods confirmed the letter referenced the March 15 Christchurch terror attack, which killed 51 people and injured dozens more at two mosques. 

She understood there was potential the letter had been sent by the same person who sent EQC a bullet in January 2017. 

EQC deputy chief executive Renée Walker said the threat was non-specific and not focused on any particular building or address, but it was thought to be aimed at Christchurch staff. She confirmed the letter was a threat to kill. 

She said when comparing this letter and the January 2017 letter, there were similarities in language, the way the letters were received, and the non-specific but threatening nature. 

The personal safety of EQC staff was the highest priority and security measures were put in place across all its offices, Walker said. These included an increased security presence on site, and the removal of branding from clothing, vehicles and buildings.

Police had increased patrols around the EQC offices in the wake of the threat.

Walker said EQC had been honest and open with staff from the moment the threat was received. 

At least one staff member had felt unsafe working at the office following the threat, and worked from home temporarily. 

Staff had been given access to on-site counsellors and EQC was looking at its long-term security strategy. 

Walker said the threat had "added pressure in an already stressful job". 

"It is quite confronting when you read letters that are making a link to the mosque shooting or contain a bullet."

EQC recognised people may experience personal stress or feelings of anger following a natural disaster, or in response to interactions with EQC, and a very small number then chose to display threatening behaviour, she said.

"There is no excuse to abuse, threaten, or even assault EQC staff and those working for us. While we may not always get things right, our people turn up on a daily basis to try and help people in the best way they know how."

Woods said although security had been increased, EQC was not in lockdown.

A police spokeswoman said police were investigating the threats, but could not comment further. 

 

 - Stuff