Residents at homes in Mount Maunganui have been forced to evacuate after a gas leak this afternoon.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand communications spokesman said contractors damaged a gas main while doing work on Wells Avenue.
The spokesman said firefighters were alerted about 2.15pm and evacuated the nearby area.
A reporter at the scene said the street had been cordoned off at Terrace Ave and a faint smell of gas was in the air.
Street lights were being replaced on Wells Ave when a hole was put in a 50mm gas main.
