UPDATED 2.08PM: Police have responded to three separate incidents of threatening behaviour towards government staff.

Yesterday a 51 year old man was arrested for using threatening language against a Nelson WINZ staff member.

Later a 26 year old man did the same to staff at the Nelson City Council and was arrested.

Both men were later released with a pre-charge warning.

The last incident involved a 46 year old man who threatened to kill staff at the Nelson ACC office.

Senior Sergeant Shane Miles says these actions carry serious consequences and could result in prison time.

A Rotorua Work and Income office was closed after a staff member was threatened.

The threat was made yesterday afternoon and as a precaution the office is closed.