Key Takeaways
- A shooting incident occurred at Waitārere Beach, resulting in four people being wounded, with three critically injured
- A firearm was located at the scene, and a forensic examination of the property is underway
- The police are not looking for anyone else, but officers will remain at the scene as the investigation progresses
- The incident has caused disruption to the small beachside community, with the only road in and out of the area closed
- Emergency personnel, including police, ambulance, and fire services, responded to the incident, with two helicopters and multiple vehicles deployed
Introduction to the Incident
Responding officers were met with a disturbing scene at Waitārere Beach, where a firearm had been discharged, resulting in four people being wounded. According to Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham, an adult woman and two older teenage males were found with critical injuries, while another young person at the address was physically unharmed. The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance, while the two males were flown to Wellington Hospital for further treatment. The fact that a firearm was involved and that multiple people were injured has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the community.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The emergency response to the incident was swift and comprehensive, with multiple agencies involved. St John ambulance service confirmed that they were called to the scene at 12:41 am, and they deployed two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, two helicopters, and an operations manager. The Fire and Emergency service was also called to assist with setting up a landing zone for the helicopters. The police have stated that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, but officers will remain at the scene as the investigation progresses. A forensic examination of the property is scheduled to begin, and the police have assured that information will be released proactively as it becomes available.
Community Impact and Disruption
The incident has caused significant disruption to the small beachside community of Waitārere Beach. The only road in and out of the area has been closed, although residents have reported that they are still able to enter and exit the township with traffic controls in place. NZTA warned road users to avoid the intersection of Waitārere Beach Rd and State Highway 1 due to the "police incident" and advised them to delay their journeys if possible until further notice. The closure of the road has caused inconvenience to residents and travelers, but the police have emphasized that the safety of the community is their top priority.
Ongoing Investigation and Support
The police have acknowledged that the incident is "shocking" and "confronting" for the community, and they have expressed their gratitude to the emergency personnel who responded to the call for help. Inspector Grantham has stated that the police are still in the early stages of their investigation and are focused on understanding how and why the tragic event occurred. The young person who was physically unharmed is being provided with "wrap-around support" to help them cope with the trauma of the incident. As the investigation continues, the police will work to piece together the events surrounding the shooting and provide support to those affected.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The shooting incident at Waitārere Beach has sent shockwaves through the community, and the police are working tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event. As the forensic examination of the property gets underway, the police will be working to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The community will be eagerly awaiting updates on the investigation, and the police have assured that information will be released as it becomes available. In the meantime, the community will be coming to terms with the incident and working to support those affected. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for support and resources to be available to those in need.
