Murder inquiry: Man shot dead, another injured in South Auckland

A man is dead and another person has been injured in a shooting in South Auckland overnight - the latest spate of violence in the region.

Police have launched a murder investigation.

About 11.45pm shots were fired on Bairds Rd, in Otara. When police got to the scene, they found a man had been critically injured.

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They attempted to save the man but he died at the scene.

A second person was moderately injured and taken to Middlemore Hospital.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Va'aelua said locals should expect a "strong police presence" in the area today.

"I want to reassure the community that we are absolutely committed to finding those responsible for this and holding them to account."

In the past four years across Auckland, nearly 150 gunshot victims have been admitted to hospital for serious injuries.

Many of them have been in South Auckland.

Last year alone, four people were killed and five others critically injured in eight shootings.

Among those dead was Joseph Siaosi, 23, who died on the lawn in front of his Otara family home after being shot as he walked away from a confrontation.

The frightening sequence of violence has rocked the community, sparking calls for police to crack down on gangs.

In May, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said most of the shootings were gang and drug-related.