The Fifa Women’s World Cup opening match tonight between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park will continue as planned.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Sports Minister Grant Robertson confirmed the event would go ahead despite a shooting incident in Auckland’s CBD this morning.

A gunman stormed a building being renovated near Britomart. The 24-year-old - who was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet - had entered the building site in lower Queen St and opened fire. Police have confirmed the shooter is also dead and there was no wider security threat.

Auckland has welcomed thousands of international tourists for the Fifa Women’s World Cup hosted across New Zealand and Australia. The incident occurred metres away from the Fifa Fan Festival that opened on Thursday at the Cloud on Quay Street.

The Norwegian team was also staying nearby.

Robertson confirmed at a press conference in Wellington this morning that all World Cup events would continue as planned.

He had spoken to the president and secretary general of FIFA, who had passed on their condolences. Robertson said the police had been embedded within the FIFA structure as part of the normal structure of the tournament.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said, “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland.

“The Government has spoken to Fifa organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned.

Chile fans and supporters. Photo / Andrew Cornaga www.photosport.nz

”I want to reiterate that there is no wider national security threat.

“This appears to be the actions of an individual.”

A number of teams are staying near the incident area but they were all safe, Robertson said.

The New Zealand football team, who are staying at the Pullman Hotel on Princes Street, said they were shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning.

“We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging.

The Ferns, who are underdogs for tonight’s match, said “preparations for the game will continue as planned”.

Norway, staying at the M Social not far from the scene of the shootings, were not affected.

They said in a statement everyone in their camp was calm and preparations continued as normal.

Captain Maren Mjelde said: “Being informed about the consequences, the team’s thoughts are with those affected and their families. Everyone probably woke up quite quickly when the helicopter hovered outside the hotel window and a large number of emergency vehicles arrived.

“At first we didn’t know what was going on, but eventually there were updates on TV and the local media.

“We felt safe the whole time.

“FIFA has a good security system at the hotel, and we have our own security officer in the squad,” Mjelde said. “Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight.”

Four-time World Cup Champions, the United States are staying at the SO/ in Britomart. A spokesperson for the team told the Herald, “All of our players and staff are accounted for and safe. Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.”

The USA celebrates winning their fourth World Cup title in 2019. Photo / Photosport

Eden Park, which hosts the opening match this evening, released a statement they’ve been working with all relevant agencies regarding this morning’s incident and the impact on services and staffing.

Due to the global nature of this event, fans can expect an increased police and security presence within the precinct and across the venue.

Eden Park. Photo / Supplied

The statement said, “Gates open from 4.30pm and we encourage all ticket-holders to arrive early and enjoy the FIFA activation zone and opening ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Free public transport is included with your ticket and all bus routes and train lines will be operational. Check the Auckland Transport journey planner for the latest information.

The statement reiterated spectators should monitor their Fifa App and download tickets prior to arriving at Eden Park - and to be patient with staff.

They encouraged fans to leave bags at home to assist with ease of entry however recommend bringing a poncho or raincoat due after Metservice issued a heavy rain watch from 8pm.

Bonnie Jansen is a multimedia journalist in the NZME Sports team. She’s a keen footballer and worked with the Alternative Commentary Collective before joining the Te Rito cadetship scheme.