Homicide investigation launched after three people killed in Hastings

The deaths of three people in what police are treating as a homicide will ripple through the community, the mayor of Hastings says.

Emergency services were called to a property on Avenue Road East at about 6am after reports of several people being seriously injured.

One person was found deceased at the scene while two others were in a critical condition. Another person was found in a serious condition.

All were transported to Hastings Hospital, but police have confirmed that the pair who were critically injured died shortly afterwards.

Detective Inspector Martin James says a scene examination will take place at the property today.

A homicide investigation is underway in Hastings following the deaths of three people after an incident at an Avenue Road East address early this morning. Photo / Chris Hyde

“Police appreciate this is a distressing incident that will no doubt be concerning to nearby residents.

“I would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, contained to this specific group of people, and there is no risk to the wider public,” James said.

‘Horrible and horrific’

Hastings’ Mayor Wendy Schollum said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

She expressed her condolences to the friends and family directly affected and said it was now about giving police space to do their job.

Schollum said Hastings is a tight-knit community.

“That is one of the beautiful things about provincial Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand as a whole, that we know and take care of each other.

“It really does ripple through our community.”

In the coming days, she believes locals will be paying tribute to the deceased.

“When something horrible and horrific like this happens, our community comes out in force.”

Schollum wanted to emphasise that Hastings is a place where people come to thrive, love, and enjoy life.

“Events like this are horrific, and they definitely don’t define communities like ours,” she said.

“We’re a community full of families, and so I think we need to wrap our support around those who have been most affected at this time.”