Four fire appliances and one Hazmat unit are attending the scene of a chemical-related incident in Mount Maunganui.

Police say that emergency services received reports just before 11.15am of containers at a residential address in Mount Maunganui having a strong chemical smell.

Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Colin Underdown says fire crews were sent to investigate some containers that were left on an empty section in Fairway Ave.

'We were told there were five containers. At this stage we are still unsure what is in them,” says Colin.

The containers are near the entrance to the Mount Golf Club.

A golfer leaving the club says there were suspicious chemical containers and drums dumped on the side of the road near the golf course.

'They have closed the end of the street off and are retrieving the containers,” says a SunLive reader at the scene. 'There are about 15 or so fire fighters here, with five appliances including the Hazmat unit.

'But they're not too sure what's in the containers.”

Police have not dispatched any officers to attend as Fire and Emergency are the lead agency for handling hazardous substances.

At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email [email protected]