One person has died and three others are in a critical condition after a late-night shooting at a residential address in Waitārere Beach, in the Horowhenua District on New Zealand’s North Island. Police say they were called to the address near Levin at about 12:40am on Wednesday after a report that a firearm had been discharged.

When responding officers arrived, four people were found with injuries consistent with being shot. Police have confirmed that one person was found dead at the scene, while three others were rushed to hospital and remain in a critical condition. Full details released by Radio New Zealand (RNZ) state that the critically injured include a woman and two teenage boys.

Who was injured and where they were taken

Police say the woman was transported by ambulance to Palmerston North Hospital, while the two teenage boys were flown to Wellington Hospital. A further young person who was at the address was reported to be physically unharmed and is receiving ongoing support.

Major emergency response overnight

The incident triggered a large multi-agency response in the early hours, with police and medical teams at the scene. St John confirmed it was called at 12:41am and sent multiple resources, including ambulances, rapid response vehicles and helicopters, as reported by The New Zealand Herald.

Police: firearm located, forensic work underway

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said a gun was found at the scene and that a forensic examination of the property would take place on Wednesday as investigators work to establish what happened. Police also said they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting at this stage.

Grantham described it as a “shocking incident” for Waitārere Beach and the wider district, and acknowledged the emergency personnel who responded to what police called a confronting scene. Investigators say they are still in the early stages and focused on understanding how and why the tragedy occurred.

Road access affected, then reopened

The area around Waitārere Beach saw traffic impacts overnight. Police said access to State Highway 1 from Waitārere Beach Road was closed for a time, before reopening under traffic management. Authorities advised road users to take care in the area while enquiries continue.

What happens next

Police are continuing to interview people, secure evidence, and establish the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Officers will remain visible in Waitārere Beach as the investigation progresses. Police have indicated more information will be released as it becomes available.