Three people are in hospital after a drive-by shooting in South Auckland.

Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly

Emergency services were called to Ōtara at about 7pm after reports of gunshots.

Police said three males aged between 14 and 21 were walking on Kudu Road when a vehicle pulled up next to them.

They said there was a confrontation between the two groups before someone inside the vehicle fired two shots, possibly from a shotgun.

Police said one person sustained moderate injuries and could require surgery, and two others have superficial injuries.

They were taken to Middlemore Hospital.

Cordons around Preston Road and Kudu Road were lifted earlier tonight.

Police have asked for any witnesses to come forward.