The man who was gunned down after he and a group of friends got out of a car in Ponsonby Road had not been approaching the shooter, police said.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry told Checkpoint it appeared the victim just happened to be on the street on Sunday night.
A homicide investigation has been launched and a hunt is under way for the man police believe is responsible for the shooting.
The motivation for the shooting was yet unknown, police said.
"These sort of things seem to be happening more and more around New Zealand, particularly Auckland. The worrying part is the guns."
She said she walked down Ponsonby Road most mornings and hoped the man involved was found.
A worker in the area, who wished to stay anonymous, said crime and tension had been ramping up in the city.
"It's not great coming to work and seeing armed police with big machine guns standing down Ponsonby Road, not far from where you are working. It's definitely a bit of an uneasy feeling especially when you just work in a shop."
A blessing took place at the scene, where a man was seen sprinkling water on the ground and speaking, as others watched on.
A woman and a young boy were seen entering the cordoned-off area. They were seen hugging those giving the blessing.
The section of Ponsonby Road, between Richmond Road and Franklin has now reopened. Police are continuing to patrol the area.
Fire and Emergency staff have been investigating the ceiling above the scene of the shooting.
"If you see him or know who he is, please phone 111 immediately."
Anyone concealing his identity or whereabouts could find themselves facing prosecution, Barry said.
