Man shot in the leg in Palmerston North

Photo / File

A man was shot in the leg after an argument in the street outside his home in Palmerston North.

The 50-year-old man was at home in suburban Highbury about 10.30pm when he saw movement near his vehicle, which was parked on the street.

He went outside and confronted a man before he was shot in the leg, police said.

He was taken to Palmerston North Hospital where he would have surgery.

Police and the Armed Offenders Squad were called but the shooter was not found, Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison said.

It was unclear if the incident was gang-related but the men knew each other, he said.

"While the victim's injuries are believed to be non-life threatening his well-being is important and we have not had a chance to formally interview him yet. However, we have spoken with him briefly and have some positive lines of inquiry regarding the identity of the offender which we are progressing."

The weapon had not been recovered but police believed it may have been a shotgun.

"I want to reassure the public that police are committed to maintaining safe communities and this was an isolated incident," Mr Harrison said.