Police and paramedics have been called to a number of foreign embassies after suspicious packages were received.

The New Zealand consulate in Melbourne, Australia was evacuated after receiving a suspicious package, MFAT has confirmed.

"Staff were evacuated from the Consulate as a precautionary measure," an MFAT spokesperson said.

The NZ consulate was one of several evacuated in Melbourne and Canberra on Wednesday, after receiving suspicious packages. Other consulates affected included the United States, Switzerland, Pakistan, and possibly those of Greece, France, and Hong Kong.

NINE/THE AGE Emergency services in Australia attend the US and Indian consulates.

One New Zealand consulate worker said the packages in question were envelopes labelled "asbestos", the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Inside were plastic sandwich bags containing a fibrous material.

"The circumstances surrounding these incidents are being investigated," the Australian Federal Police said in a statement.

BREAKING: Police and emergency services have responded to suspicious packages to embassies and consulates in ACT & VIC today (Wednesday, 9 January 2019). The packages are being examined by attending emergency services. The circumstances are being investigated. — AFP (@AusFedPolice) January 9, 2019

OFFICIALS RESPOND TO 'HAZARDOUS MATERIAL'

Police, fire crews and ambulances were seen at a number of diplomatic offices in Melbourne on Wednesday, including those of India, Germany, Italy, Spain and South Korea.

The government Vic Emergency website noted at least 10 "hazardous material" incidents in the city.

It was not immediately known which countries' diplomatic missions in the national capital, Canberra, were affected.

Two firetrucks, a hazardous materials vehicle and police cars were seen at India's consulate in Melbourne, where staff members had been evacuated, some wearing protective masks.

Greek Consulate in Melbourne among ten consulates targetted by someone with suspicious packages. AFP says some in ACT also targetted ⁦more @abcnews⁩ pic.twitter.com/7UVQtufU6f — Karen Percy (@PercyKaren) January 9, 2019

Staff were later allowed to re-enter the building, which was deemed safe by Vic Emergency, the collective body of emergency agencies in Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital.

One firefighter was seen outside the South Korean consulate carrying a large plastic bag with the word 'asbestos' written on it.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade confirmed shortly before 3pm that it was assisting Australian Federal Police at embassies across Melbourne.

"Further information will be provided by the AFP when it becomes available," the MFB tweeted.

The British consulate confirmed it was closed "for a short time", but was re-opened before 3pm.

"We are aware of reports of suspicious packages being received and are cooperating with the AFP," a British consulate spokesman said.

The incidents come after Sydney's Argentinian consulate was partially evacuated on Monday after reports of a suspicious substance. The powder, contained in clear plastic bags within an envelope, was subsequently deemed not dangerous.

- The Age, AP and Stuff