Two men who drove a man with a gunshot wound to the head to Christchurch Hospital overnight are being sought by police.
The injured man, 40, had known gang connections, Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart said.
He was driven to hospital by two men in a green/blue Subaru station wagon around 1.45am.
The car was found by police this morning at a residential address in the Addington suburb of Christchurch.
"The car has been seized and will undergo forensic examination," Mr Stewart said.
"Inquiries into the identities of the two men who took the 40-year-old man to hospital are ongoing."
The man was in a stable condition in hospital this morning, with his family by his side, Mr Stewart said. He remained unconscious.
Mr Stewart appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who saw the car in the early hours of this morning, or who has any information relating to the incident, is asked to contact police on 03 363 7400, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.