Police name man wanted after Wellington taxi shooting

Police have released this image of Dylan Nuku, who is 158cm tall. Photo / Supplied

Police are "actively searching for" 26-year-old Dylan Nuku after a taxi driver was shot in Wellington.

He's described as being armed and dangerous. Members of the public shouldn't approach if they see him, but call 111 immediately.

Detective senior sergeant Warwick McKee said a number of search warrants had been carried out today, and they were continuing to actively search for him.

He had a simple message for Nuku, appealing for him to hand himself in.

"Come forward to speak to police."

A taxi driver was shot in Wellington on Saturday night, after what police said was a fare dispute.

The male driver was shot in the shoulder while he was in his taxi on Stone St in Miramar about 9.10pm.

The driver had taken a man and a woman from Courtenay Place to Stone St, where the dispute happened.

After being shot the taxi driver managed to drive to a nearby service station to get help. He was taken to Wellington Hospital with moderate injuries.

Over the weekend, Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said the incident had "a staggering level of violence".

"This type of crime is unusual for Wellington and we want to reassure the community that police are focused on finding those responsible and recovering the weapon."

Capital Taxis Director Tim Lauagiagi said a driver getting shot on the job was completely unacceptable.

He said this sort of thing didn't usually happen in New Zealand and he was working alongside police to find the people involved.

Lauagiagi says the taxi driver had been working for the company for more than five years and was a very experienced driver.

While anyone who sees Nuku should immediately call 111, anyone with other information about the case can call the inquiry team at 04 381 2000.

Anyone who has information but wishes to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.