Tauranga emergency services are responding to an incident which has left 10 people with chemical burns.

The chemical is reported to be lime.

Unconfirmed reports say that those affected are part of a male rugby team from Otorohanga who are in Tauranga for a fundraiser.

Nine out of the ten people involved are aged between 14 and 16 with the tenth person being 45, and assumed to be the coach of the team.

When fire crews and ambulances arrived at the scene, the men complained of eye irritation and were showered and then taken to hospital.

Since arriving at Tauranga Hospital they have had their eyes washed out.

All ten are currently in a stable condition.