A man is expected to appear in court today after a suspected bomb and ammunition were found at a vacant Christchurch address.

Police were called to the address on Newcastle Street in Phillipstown around 3pm yesterday. 

The Defence force bomb squad made the package safe, and a 33-year-old  man was arrested.

Residents who were evacuated from their homes were allowed back in after several hours.

At one stage a no-fly zone was declared over the area.

The property in question was just a few streets away from the Linwood mosque, one of two locations targeted in the March 15 terror attack. 

Councillor Yani Johanson said people in the area have been through a lot.

"Something like this just reinforces the need for people to look out for each other and that we still have a long way to go for people being able to feel safe in their communities." 

He said it's frightening for the community, and is calling for investment into Linwood to help those affected heal.

"What's really important is that, as a city, we don't forget about this community and we make sure we are putting in place public investment so people do feel a sense of community and do feel connected." 

Johanson urges people to contact police if they feel unsafe or a helpline if they are struggling to cope.