This story has been updated to clarify where the bomb was found after an update from police. NZDF earlier told RNZ the device was found near the train station.
Emergency services safely removed an improvised bomb after it was found in a car that had been towed to a police facility in Auckland on Monday.
The stolen car had been found in Ellerslie and taken to the yard not far from the Maungawhau CRL train station.
NZ Defence Force (NZDF) staff had been alerted by police to an "item of concern" near the station.
The Defence Force's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team investigated the item, identifying it as an improvised explosive device.
An NZDF spokesperson said the device was removed from the area and disposed of safely.
"Anyone who discovers a potentially dangerous item should always exercise caution until the item is deemed safe by an expert," they said.
"If you do discover something that might be dangerous, remain clear of the item and contact New Zealand Police as soon as possible."
Acting detective senior sergeant Craig Burrow said that while the car was being examined, "a small, improvised explosive was discovered. This was rendered safe and destroyed".
There was no wider risk to the public at the time, Burrow said.
He said an investigation into the object itself was underway.
-RNZ
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