Fire and Emergency investigating fire at Auckland University student accommodation

Fire and Emergency is investigating a fire in the lift shaft of Auckland University student accommodation early Friday morning.

It started around 6.30am by a control panel beside the elevator doors in one of the buildings in Carlaw Park Student Village in Parnell, Auckland University said.

Crews took about two hours to locate and extinguish the fire.

No one was injured or in the lift at the time.

About 40 students have been temporarily moved to alternative university accommodation.

An email sent to students on Friday evening said Fire and Emergency was trying to recover the building, which included carrying out a ventilation plan.

"Due to smoke levels, the building is unable to be re-occupied at this time," the email said.

"University Security are standing by to prevent entry while FENZ respond."

Students affected were told they could contact a range of campus support services.