Shooting in Waitarere: man dead, woman and two teenagers critically injured

Photo: RNZ/Mark Papalii

News from NZ Police
A man is dead and three people are in a critical condition after a shooting overnight in Waitārere Beach.

The shooting was at a house in Waitārere Beach Road.

Police received a 111 call about 12:40am today, said Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham.

“Responding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address and when they arrived, four people were found with wounds that were consistent with being shot.

“An adult woman and two teenage boys had critical injuries. The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance and the two teenagers were flown to Wellington Hospital.

“Another young person at the address is physically unharmed and is being given wrap-around support.”

Inspector Grantham says a firearm was located and a forensic examination of the property will begin today.

While Police are not looking for anyone else, officers will be in the area while the investigation progresses.

“This is a shocking incident for Waitārere Beach and the district. This was a confronting scene, and I want to acknowledge the emergency personnel who responded to the call for help.

“We are still in the very early stages of our enquiries, but we are focused on understanding how and why this tragic event occurred,” Inspector Grantham says.

Report from RNZ
Access to State Highway 1 from Waitārere Beach Road was closed overnight; however, it has since reopened under traffic management.

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden said the shooting was a family harm incident and described it as tragic. “As far as I am aware, it is only family members that have been involved in this incident,” he said.

A neighbour said she heard helicopters flying overnight. Traffic management was set up on the road in front of her house, but she had not been visited by police.

Hato Hone St John said it sent two helicopters, two ambulances, one operations manager and two rapid response vehicles to Waitarere.