Police are interviewing nine people threatened by a gun-wielding man who invaded their North Shore home shortly after midnight.
An armed man entered a house on College Rd, Northcote, and demanded money.
Police say when he didn't get what he wanted he shot a dog up to four times with what witnesses described as an air rifle.
The Herald understands that after the man shot the dog he went back to the residents, pointed the gun at some of them and said: "Who wants to be next?".
North Shore area commander Inspector Shanan Gray said the dog survived the shooting and was being treated at a local veterinary clinic.
"We are hoping to get solid information from the victims of this attack that will assist staff to locate [the offender] as soon as possible," said Mr Gray.
A Herald photographer at the scene said an armed officer was patrolling the perimeter of the property, which was cordoned off by police emergency tape.
Another officer, unarmed, was patrolling neighbouring homes.
Forensic detectives in white boiler suits were undertaking a scene examination at the weatherboard house.
A neighbour in a property close to the home invasion said the people who lived at the address normally kept to themselves and maintained a low profile in the neighbourhood.
She did not hear the commotion take place and woke to find her end of the street filled with police this morning.
Anyone with information can call the Waitemata police on 09 488 9754 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555 111.