A man with a gunshot wound is recovering in Palmerston North Hospital.
Police were called to the man's home in the nearby town of Shannon at 9:40 yesterday evening.
The man, who'd reported being shot, was taken to hospital - though the injury was not believed to be life threatening.
Officers found a firearm in a vehicle they stopped leaving the area and three people are helping police with their investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan reassured the Shannon community there was no-one else involved.
If anyone has any information related to the incident they are to call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Central District Command Centre on 06 351 2535
Central District Firearms Licensing Manager, Carole Duffin, said it was a good opportunity for those with firearms to check they are secure.
"It is the firearms licence holder's responsibility to secure their firearms with ammunition and bolts in separate locations away from inquisitive children and opportunist thefts."
She said anyone who failed to do so could have their firearms licence revoked.