A large fire in bush and scrub close to houses in Upper Hutt is concerning residents.
Firefighters are at the blaze, which has reached across a section of hill at Trentham, with homes above and below it.
It was reported to Fire and Emergency at 2:20pm.
Residents nearby have come out onto the street to watch, and some on a local internet group said they were considering evacuating.
Locals have already made offers for those evacuating to take shelter in their houses, and to house pets and animals.
A witness said large clouds of smoke can be seen rising up over the Hutt Valley and from surrounding suburbs.
Two helicopters are being called in to support the firefighting efforts.
People are being asked to stay away from the area, so that fire crews can concentrate on their work.
RNZ
