He said they are now clearing the street.
Multiple police cars, the Armed Offenders Squad and a police helicopter were in Woodley Ave in Remuera.
Police say no shots were fired and no one has been arrested.
One worried mother was picking up her daughter from St Kentigern Junior School when it was placed in lockdown.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said the sight of armed police in the area had alarmed her.
"No one seems to know what has been going on but the school has been locked down as a precaution," she said. "As far as I know nothing has occurred at the school but I heard something had happened at an apartment block nearby."
A Woodley Ave resident who also declined to be named said he was shocked to see a police helicopter was patrolling the skies and armed police were mobilised.
"No one knows what is going on but it must be serious, so we are all just staying indoors."
A large number of police are in attendance including AOS and the Police Eagle Helicopter.
There are a number of cordons in the area and motorists are asked to stay away at this stage please.
Woodley Ave is one of Remuera's most prestigious streets - a tree lined cul-de-sac with multi-million dollar mansions offering views of the city skyline.