Oranga Tamariki workers in Whangārei allegedly fired at by youth with air rifle

Two Oranga Tamariki staff members were allegedly fired upon multiple times with an air rifle at a Whangārei home last Tuesday.

The workers are being given wraparound support, with police and Oranga Tamariki investigating.

The incident allegedly occurred in the Whangārei suburb of Raumanga on Tuesday, February 10. No one was injured.

Oranga Tamariki regional commissioner Te Tai Tokerau Anya Tahere confirmed two kaimahi were involved in an incident while working in Northland on Tuesday.

“They are being provided with wraparound support and a review of this incident is underway,” she said.

“Our frontline staff work in challenging environments, and their health and safety is paramount.”

An air rifle was allegedly used to fire upon two Oranga Tamariki workers during a home visit in Whangārei's Raumanga on Tuesday. Photos / NZME

Tahere was unable to comment further, with the matter being before the courts.

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy, who is due to reappear in the Youth Court on March 13.

Whangārei area response manager Senior Sergeant Rene Rakete said police were called to a Raumanga address on Tuesday, following a report that a person had discharged a firearm towards two people.

“Thankfully no one was injured.”

Police arrived and the alleged offender was taken into custody. An air rifle and an imitation pistol were seized at the property, Rakete said.

Air rifles look like the real thing and many can be bought by adults without a firearms licence. Photo / NZME

Spring-loaded air rifles are potentially lethal at a distance of up to 10m, according to a study by two New Zealand doctors.

While there are licensing requirements for pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles, air rifles that are CO2-powered or spring-loaded can be bought by adults without a firearms licence.

The incident has been condemned by the PSA, the trade union which represents central Government workers.

“No Oranga Tamariki social worker should go to work and be subjected to violence in any form,” said national secretary Duane Leo.

“Social workers are often involved in very stressful situations and, like any worker, should expect to come home safe and sound.”

Leo said his thoughts were with the two workers and the PSA is seeking answers about the case.

• This story has been updated to clarify the type of air rifles referenced in the study mentioned.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.