Fatal shooting in New Plymouth

Photo / File

Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a woman in her 50s.

Police were called to the shooting in a remote settlement near Okoki in rural northern Taranaki, about 3.30pm.

A gun was recovered from the scene and police are speaking to family members believed to have been present when the shooting occurred.

The house will remain guarded overnight as part of a full scene examination.

Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward, officer in charge of New Plymouth CIB, said police stopped a vehicle near Waitara a short time after the shooting and are speaking with a person who was in the car.

"Inquiries at this early stage have not established how the shooting happened or the relationship between the victim and the person who police stopped in a vehicle," Detective Senior Sergeant Coward said.

"It is premature for people to speculate on what happened and who might be involved. We have been talking with people who were at the house to find out more."

Detective Senior Sergeant Coward said a full scene and forensic examination will continue tomorrow - at both the shooting scene, and in the car located near Waitara.

"Our investigation is in its infancy as we gather the facts of what happened. I'm unable to comment on what sort of firearm was used or what prompted the shooting at this point."

Police will not be releasing the name of the victim tonight as family members are still to be notified.