Police say many illegal firearms are being rented or borrowed from secret stockpiles but they believe the black market for guns is miniscule and not a problem.

Two men have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following Tuesday night's gun fight which broke out when a gang of armed youths turned up to a tinny house on Othello Drive, in the Auckland suburb of Flat Bush. Another two men are recovering in hospital from shotgun wounds.

Inspector Joe Green, head of firearms licensing, says there is not a large black market for guns, as most weapons are hired out. He says shotguns and rifles are the most popular gun amongst New Zealand criminals but only 1.3 percent of crime involves a firearm.

Police have posted a new mobile police station near the house in Othello Drive and a team of ten hand-picked officers will work with investigators and the community. Senior Sergeant Traill says people should feel comfortable approaching the station.