Gun shots were fired into a children's bedroom at a Masterton house in a suspected gang-related drive-by shooting.

Neighbours of the Miriam St house - connected to the Mongrel Mob gang - said they heard several shots about 8.45pm Friday.

People, including children, were inside at the time, Acting Detective Sergeant Mike Smith said in a statement.

Several gun shots went through the wall of two bedrooms at the front of the house.

"It is concerning for police that occupants were home at the time and one bedroom is used by children," Mr Smith said.

He would not elaborate on the incident when contacted by The Dominion Post and people at the house refused to comment.

One neighbour said he thought a car had backfired and didn't bother to see what was happening.

"I just heard bang then bang and that was about it."

Police would not confirm the shooting was related to tensions between rival gangs, but believed there was a vehicle involved.

Wairarapa area commander Inspector Brent Register, who had not been briefed on the shooting yesterday, said there had not been a noticeable increase in gang-related activity in recent weeks.

However, all gang members were being stopped by police on the street and questioned.

"A gang patch is only worn for one reason and that's to make people fearful.

"I would encourage all my staff to stop every gang member to tell them we want a safe Wairarapa and wearing a gang patch is there for one reason and that is to create fear."

Wairarapa has a long history of gang rivalry, which has seen shootings, street brawls and houses torched.

There were several incidents last year when Mongrel Mob members tried to establish a presence in the region. A clash in November with Nomads members ended in a man being taken to hospital.

Anyone with information about Friday's shooting can contact Masterton police on (06) 3700 300 or the crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News