Key Takeaways:
- A shooting incident occurred in Waitārere Beach, a small settlement west of Levin, resulting in one death and three critical injuries.
- The incident involved a local family, and police are not searching for anyone else in relation to the shooting.
- The community is in shock, with many residents describing it as a close-knit and safe area.
- Emergency services, including the Waitārere Volunteer Fire Brigade, responded to the incident, and a police presence remains in the area.
- Support services are available for those affected by the incident, including counseling and helplines.
Introduction to the Incident
The small community of Waitārere Beach has been left reeling after a shooting incident occurred on Wednesday morning, resulting in one death and three critical injuries. The incident involved a local family, and police are not searching for anyone else in relation to the shooting. Emergency services were called to a property on Waitārere Beach Road, where they found four people with gunshot wounds. The three survivors were taken to hospital, and another young person who was at the address was physically unharmed and is being given support.
Community Reaction
The community is in shock, with many residents describing Waitārere Beach as a close-knit and safe area. Neighbour Elizabeth Taylor told RNZ that she was woken up by helicopters and lights and thought, "What the heck is going on?" A handful of neighbours gathered in the street, trying to make sense of the situation. Another resident, who didn’t want to be named, described the scene as "absolutely horrible" as more details came to light. The community is known for being tight-knit, and many residents are struggling to come to terms with the incident.
Emergency Response
The Waitārere Volunteer Fire Brigade responded to the incident, and its team described it as "horrific." In a post on social media, the brigade urged people to be mindful of commenting online and to look after themselves and others. Murray Powell, president of the local ratepayers organisation, thanked the first responders involved, particularly the fire brigade, who are mostly volunteers. Powell said the family was known by many in the community, and locals were being respectful when it came to sharing information about the incident.
Community Support
The incident has had a significant impact on the community, with many residents feeling shocked and saddened by the events. Robert Sotheran, a member of the Waitarere Ratepayers Association, said that such incidents are "very rare" in the community and that it’s "quite sad" that locals were involved. The community is coming together to support each other, with many residents checking in on each other and offering support. The police presence in the area will remain, and support services are available for those affected by the incident.
Support Services
For those affected by the incident, there are several support services available. These include counseling services, such as Need to Talk? (free call or text 1737), Lifeline (0800 543 354), and the Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 828 865). There are also services specifically for youth, such as Youthline (0800 376 633) and What’s Up (0800 9428 787). Additionally, there are services for specific communities, such as Asian Family Services (0800 862 342) and Rainbow Youth (09 376 4155). If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Conclusion
The shooting incident in Waitārere Beach has had a significant impact on the community, leaving many residents feeling shocked and saddened. The community is coming together to support each other, and support services are available for those affected. It’s essential to remember that such incidents can have a profound effect on small communities, and it’s crucial to be kind, respectful, and supportive of those affected. By looking out for each other and seeking help when needed, the community can begin to heal and move forward.