The Armed Offenders Squad was called after shots were fired on the corner of Hereford St and Stanmore Rd in the city at 11.15am on Tuesday.
Police confirmed a man received a gunshot wound outside a property near the intersection.
"The man is reported to be in a serious condition," Detective Senior Sergeant Tania Jellyman said.
"Police are now in the early stages of an investigation. There have been no arrests at this time.
"Cordons will remain in place on Hereford Street and Stanmore Road as police undertake a scene examination.
"We appreciate a firearms incident on a suburban street will have caused anxiety for our local community.
"The community will notice an increase in patrols in the area."
Police are asking for witnesses or anyone with information or concerns about the incident to call 105, quoting file number 220830/8157.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
Police also taped off a property at the corner of Stanmore Rd and Hereford St.
Parents with children at the daycare have been told the centre was locked down.
The pre-schoolers were taken indoors on the advice of police.
A local told the Herald that police are often in the area.
"It's worrying because there are a lot of genuine decent people around and it's just a minority that is doing all the damage."
- By Kurt Bayer and Star News
