Postwoman shot while making her rounds

File photo / NZ Herald

A wounded postwoman is believed to have been the victim of an accidental shooting in Northland yesterday morning.

The woman, a contract worker for New Zealand Post, suffered minor injuries in the incident which happened about 10am at Guy Road, Kaikohe.

"A woman underwent medical checks in case there was a pellet involved, after being referred to hospital by her GP as a precaution," Whangarei Hospital spokesman Kim Tito said.

"She had a single wound but is stable and in no pain."

It was understood some children had been involved in the incident and it was an accidental shooting, an NZ Post spokesman said .

Whangarei Senior Sergeant Steve Dickson said police were investigating and the incident was being taken very seriously.

A resident of Guy Road, who asked not to be named, said police had been to his house looking for gunshot holes.

Michael Hunter, northern district secretary of the Postal Workers Union of Aotearoa, said it was disturbing to hear of a postie injured in such a way at work and there would likely be an inquiry into the incident.

"It is a rare event to be under siege by people shooting at posties with non-lethal weapons," Mr Hunter said.

"Most injuries happen when bikes slip on roads or are reversed into by cars."