Three people are being treated for gunshot wounds after an incident in Otara, South Auckland.

Police were responding to an incident on Preston Road, a spokesperson said.

One person is in serious condition. One is moderate and another minor, St John says.

The age and gender of those shot are unconfirmed.

Five ambulance units have been sent to the scene.

Preston and Kudu Roads are cordoned off and people are being asked to avoid the area.

Police were called to the scene at 7.05pm.

Preston Rd resident Gloria Wijohn said she had not seen or heard any police in the area tonight.

She had lived on the road for 40 years and never heard of anything like this in the area.

"It's been wonderful. I'm really blown away by it. Everyone here's really close knit," she said.

"Normally when we do have drinks we invite everybody [on Preston Rd]."