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Police responded to serious incident in Wairarapa; one dead and two people are in custody.
Cordons at multiple scenes, including around a supermarket in central Carterton.
Town’s mayor says one person is dead, believed to be from a gunshot wound.
One man is dead and two people are in custody after a car was shot at in the Wairarapa this afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to a scene near Carterton’s New World supermarket late this afternoon; one of several areas in the town and nearby that have since been cordoned off.
Earlier, a vehicle had been shot at in nearby Featherston. Then, the Herald understands it was followed to Carterton before fleeing the scene.
Police said they did not believe there was any risk to the general public after the incident, and two people have since been taken into custody.
Video is circulating on social media tonight of a man being taken into custody by police near Kaitoki. He can be seen with his arms in the air, walking backwards towards armed police officers who are sheltered behind police cars, including a mufti car.
Carterton Mayor Ron Mark told NZME late this afternoon that one person was dead from a gunshot wound.
The Carterton New World has been closed until further notice. Photo / Google Maps / Screenshot
“The ambulance was called to attend a vehicle which had a person in it who had a gunshot wound,” Mark said.
“I can confirm that that person has subsequently died. I’m told that person has subsequently died.”
Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel confirmed tonight that two people were in custody and a homicide inquiry had been launched.
“Around 4pm police responded to reports of a firearms incident, where a firearm was discharged at a vehicle exiting the supermarket carpark on SH 2, Featherston,” he said.
“A short time later a man has been located in Carterton with an apparent gunshot wound, he has since died. A second vehicle fled the scene and was intercepted by Police without incident at Kaitoke.
“The full extent of the two occupants’ involvement is a focus of our investigation.”
SH2 was closed for a period of time, however, has since reopened.
“A scene examination will continue in Featherston over the coming days.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this event or has any information for the people involved.
“We acknowledge this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community. Police will have an increased presence in the community as we work to determine what led to the altercation, and who was involved.”
Mark said there was a “little bit of concern” in the area after the incident.
“I am absolutely confident that there is no threat to the wider community,” he said.
“This appears to be a targeted incident. And you can only speculate as to what corner of the community that has come from.
“I guess it’s just a case of ... complying with whatever the police are requiring us to do in terms of complying with roadblocks and that sort of thing and just letting them get on and do their job.
“I’m very, very confident that the police will have a resolution very quickly.”
Police said in a statement that they were responding to an incident near Pembroke St around 4pm.
“Police are speaking with two people in relation to the incident, there is not believed to be any ongoing risk to the wider community.
“Cordons are in place in Featherston, Carterton and Kaitoke.”
SH2 KAITOKE - POLICE INCIDENT - 4:50PM Due to a police incident the road is now CLOSED near Kaitoke Loop Rd. Follow directions of emergency services on-site or delay your journey. ^EH pic.twitter.com/GakIzUZ5nm
— NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Wellington (@nztawgtn) March 22, 2025
State Highway 2 through Featherston and Carterton is closed and SH2 at Kaitoke is down to one lane.
“Police are at three scenes in relation to the incident, conducting scene examinations as we work to determine what occurred. Further information will be released when we are in a position to do so.”
Mark said his “concern is for the people of Carterton and, and I just want them to know that we’re fine.”
Mark said the incident reinforced “once again in my mind” why it was so important the community supported its police and ambulance first responders.
“It’s them who we rely on for the protection of our children and our wider community.”
A Wairarapa local told the Herald they believed the death in Carterton was linked to an earlier incident involving a car in nearby Featherston.
A police cordon is in place on the route between the two Wairarapa towns.
In a Facebook post, New World Carterton said the store was closed until further notice.
“Our apologies for any inconvenience caused. We will keep you updated as to when we can reopen.”
SH2 CARTERTON - POLICE INCIDENT - 5:20PM Due to a police incident the road is now CLOSED between Holloway St and Victoria St. Southbound traffic detour via Park Rd, Rutland Rd and Richmond Rd. Reverse for northbound. ^EH pic.twitter.com/DcrBrEhqjd
— NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Wellington (@nztawgtn) March 22, 2025
Another Carterton resident has said that a tent has been set up by police around the cordoned-off area.
>> If you have any information that has not been reported to Police, please contact officers on 105 either online or over the phone.
