Police launch investigation after man shot in Kaikohe, town’s second shooting in less than 24 hours

Armed police stand guard at a property in Kaikohe where a man was found bleeding heavily from what was believed to be a single gunshot wound to the leg today. Photo / RNZ

Armed police are guarding a property in Kaikohe, Northland after the town’s second shooting in less than 24 hours.

Emergency services were called to an incident on Tawa St about 12.20pm on Sunday, a police spokesman said, where a man was bleeding heavily from what was believed to be a single gunshot wound to the leg.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Fouhy of Northland police told RNZ the injury was not life-threatening.

“Inquiries are ongoing to locate the alleged offender. At this stage, the incident appears isolated, and there is no threat to the public,” police earlier told the Herald.

RNZ reported an armed officer was guarding the property as a precaution while the investigation continued.

It was not yet known if the shooting was gang-related.

A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said one ambulance, one rapid response unit and one helicopter responded to the scene.

“Our ambulance officers treated one patient in a serious condition, who was airlifted to Whangārei Hospital.”

The incident came after a man was shot in the neck with an air rifle overnight in a rural area south of Kaikohe.

He had been flown to Auckland Hospital for surgery and was in a serious but stable condition.

A police spokesperson said a 34-year-old man will appear in Kaikohe District Court on Monday, charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm/weapon and intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Fouhy told RNZ he was “very lucky” the outcome was not worse and the two incidents were not related.

It is understood the offender left the Tawa St incident in a ute, RNZ reported.