Court security officers seized 1668 knives and pocket knives between January and April 2019, the news website Stuff reports.

Stuff says information released under the Official Information Act 1982 shows security officers also seized 1576 pairs of scissors, 913 Swiss Army knives and multi-tools, 283 screwdrivers, 270 craft knives, 46 credit card knives and 29 kirpans.

It says credit card knives are designed to take the shape of a bank card when not in use. "They fold to reveal a blade and a handle". It says they were seized in 17 courts around New Zealand.

Other items which were seized over the four months included 11 knuckledusters, two batons, a throwing star, a pistol, a taser and a torch modified to fire bullets and 26 rounds of accompanying ammunition.