The emergency services were summoned to the four-story Loafers Lodge hostel in Wellington shortly after midnight local time (12:30 GMT Monday).

While numerous individuals were rescued from the premises, the police have reported that several people are yet to be located.

"I understand six confirmed previously, but it looks like there were likely to be more,” Chris Hipkins said.

Upon reaching the scene, firefighters discovered that the upper level of the building was engulfed in flames. By 04:00, approximately 20 fire trucks were engaged in combating the fire.

Nick Pyatt, the Fire and Emergency District commander, characterized the incident as Wellington's "worst nightmare."

"This is a once-in-a-decade fire for Wellington. It’s the worst nightmare for us,” Pyatt said.

He also noted that there are still a number of people unaccounted for, but this number, along with the number of deaths, cannot be confirmed at this time.

The police said that they cannot provide precise details regarding the number of deaths until they are able to access the building. (ILKHA)