Police still searching for Ahipara shooting suspect Rawiri Ihaka, appealing for public's help

Rawiri Teruru Ihaka, who is still on the run from police. Photo / Supplied

Police have appealed to the public to find a man who allegedly shot at a home in Ahipara yesterday.

Rawiri Teruru Ihaka, 44, is wanted in relation to yesterday's incident at the small Far North township where shots were fired at a residential property.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for Ihaka for assaulting a person by means of a firearm.

He is described as medium build, 182cm tall, and has a tattoo of a cross on his right forearm.

He is considered dangerous, police said, and should not be approached.

The armed offenders' squad and Eagle helicopter were called to Ahipara yesterday after the shooting, which happened at around 10.30am.

A vehicle and gun were later recovered, but it was believed the offender fled on foot.

Ahipara School and a local childcare centre went into lockdown for several hours, but Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said it was just a precaution. The lockdown was lifted just after 3pm.

Police have asked anyone who sees Ihaka to call 111 immediately.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact Kaitaia Police on (09) 408 6500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.