Police launch homicide inquiry after Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast death; officers investigate related incident

Police guard the scene on Kākāriki Grove, Waikanae, where a man was found critically injured before dying on Wednesday afternoon. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a man in Waikanae, with police believing it is related to another serious incident in the town later that day.

Emergency services were called to Kākāriki Grove in the Kāpiti Coast town, which is 64km north of Wellington, about 3.15pm yesterday.

Detective Inspector Jamie Woods said three men – aged 20, 25 and 26 – have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident.

Woods said police were also investigating an incident in Hadleigh Court, Waikanae, about 4.25pm yesterday, where a man was found with serious injuries.

“We believe the incidents in Kakariki Grove and Hadleigh Court are related,” he said.

“We are working to establish exactly what has occurred and to identify and locate anyone else who may have been involved.

“A large number of officers from across Wellington District have been deployed to assist in this investigation,” Woods said.

“Waikanae residents can expect to see a continued police presence in the Kakariki Grove and Hadleigh Court areas as we continue our inquiries.”

‘Shambles’

A neighbour told the Herald the property thought to be at the centre of the fatal incident was well known to other residents.

“We’ve seen the Armed Offenders Squad there before, searching the place, and having the people inside go outside.

“And we’ve had a guy come up here [to our house] on a motorbike who told us we should call the police.”

She called the police 105 non-emergency number and reported what she’d been told, the woman said.

The Kāpiti Coast District Council had also previously been contacted about vehicles on the property, she said.

She wasn’t sure how many people lived on site.

“I know there’s a bus there. It’s a bit of a shambles.”

The Herald contacted police about the woman’s claims, but they were unable to comment. The council has also been contacted.

‘The screaming got louder’

Another neighbour told RNZ this morning they were outside yesterday when they heard raised voices and what sounded like gunshots.

“Then the screaming got louder and there was a second shot, I think,” the neighbour said, adding they then heard cars “taking off down the street”.

Several police officers arrived. The street was closed for several hours before reopening to residents only, the man told RNZ.

Police were still at a house in the street this morning and a cordon was also in place, he said.

Meanwhile, a daycare worker told Stuff they spent time in lockdown yesterday afternoon and had heard a person was walking around with a gun after the incident.

This morning, a staff member at BestStart Waikanae at the intersection of Kakariki Grove and Winara Ave confirmed the daycare centre was open but wouldn’t comment further.

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