Man dead, 3 critically injured in New Zealand shooting

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

A man was killed and three others, including a woman and two teenage boys, were critically injured in a shooting early Wednesday at a home on New Zealand's lower North Island.

Police said they were called to the property in Waitarere Beach, near Levin, around 12:40 a.m. and found four people with gunshot wounds.

The woman was transported to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance, while the two teenagers were airlifted to Wellington Hospital. Another young person at the address was unharmed and is receiving support, said a police statement.

"Responding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address," said Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham.

Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene, and police said forensic examination of the property was underway. Police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden described the shooting as a "family harm incident" that has shocked the small coastal community, according to Radio New Zealand.

Police said they were still investigating the violence.