New Zealand: Two die in shooting incident ahead of Women's World Cup opening ceremony in Auckland

Six other people, including police officers, were injured and the gunman is also dead after the incident at 07:22 (19:22 GMT) on a construction site in the central business district, reports BBC.

New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins said the attack was not seen as an act of terrorism.

The tournament would go ahead as planned, he confirmed as quoted by BBC.

While no political or ideological motive for the attack had been identified, police had neutralised the threat and the public could be assured that there was no ongoing risk, the prime minister said.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the incident was not related to the World Cup.

He said in a statement: “I can’t remember anything like this ever happening in our beautiful city. This morning’s events have been tragic and distressing for all Aucklanders, as this is not something that we are used to."

"What we know is that this is an isolated incident. This appears to be the act of one individual, this was not a threat to national security, nor was it in any way related to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Event," he said.

He condoled the loss of lives in the incident.

Meanwhile, the shooter was identified as 24-year-old Matu Tangi Matua Reid.

Speaking of the shooter, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said: " We understand that he has worked at the construction site and we believe the reason for his presence at the site this morning was connected with that work."