A police cordon is set up in a walkway near SH1 at Highbrook. Photo: RNZ / Bella Craig
Devices found near a body beside Auckland's Southern Motorway were pipe bombs that could have killed people, police say.
Police were alerted to the death about 11.30am on Tuesday and it resulted in the motorway being closed for many hours.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said an investigation into the man's "sudden death" was continuing and further specialist examination of two devices found near him had been completed.
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"From this examination, police can confirm both devices were in fact viable pipe bombs.
"These devices would have been capable of causing death or serious injury to any individual in proximity."
Hayward said these devices had now been safely removed and destroyed and there was no wider risk to the public.
A post-mortem examination on the man was being completed on Wednesday.
"Police also expect our scene examination to be completed this afternoon," Hayward said.
"Given the scenes proximity to a major state highway, it was imperative that the area was made safe before proceeding."
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