The sister of the man who died in a shooting overnight in Waitārere Beach in the Horowhenua district says he was a “broken” man.
Police have confirmed a 60-year-old man died in the incident, while the injured survivors were a woman, 46, and two young men, aged 17 and 21.
A fifth person at the property was unharmed.
The local mayor earlier described the shooting as a “tragic family incident”.
The Herald understands the man who died was 60-year-old Benjamin Timmins.
Timmins’ sister Rachael O’Grady told the Herald her brother was a former soldier and he worked on a farm.
She said he worked with the animals and bred cats and dogs, including ragdolls and golden retrievers.
“Ben was a broken man,” she said.
She went on to describe him as a “staunch peacekeeping man” who had spent time in Iraq.
“He was commended for rescuing hostages,” O’Grady said.
At the time of the interview with the Herald, O’Grady said she was on the way to identify her brother’s body.
Emergency services, including police, rescue helicopters and ambulances were called to the emergency about 12.40am on Wednesday, after a 111 call from the settlement north of Levin.
The shooting left three people with life-threatening injuries.
Timmins was found dead at the Waitārere Beach Rd address and police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said officers were at the property within eight minutes.
“Responding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address and, when they arrived, four people were found with wounds that are consistent with being shot,” he said.
“The quick response by police likely saved the three victims’ lives.
“Our officers were confronted with a harrowing scene that no one should have to witness.”
The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance and the two men flown to Wellington Hospital. She has since been transferred to Wellington Hospital as well and all three remain in a critical condition.
“Another young person who was at the address is physically unharmed and they are being given wrap-around support.”
According to RNZ, police were called to the Waitārere Beach address hours before finding the shooting scene.
RNZ reports Grantham as saying a 111 call was made by the woman about 7pm.
He said police took action in response, but was unable to give details.
Another 111 call was made after midnight, leading to police arriving at the property for a second time, RNZ reports.
Police have been contacted for comment.
Grantham said police will be conducting a scene examination that is expected to take several days.
The body of the man remains at the site and is set to be removed tomorrow before an autopsy on Friday.
“Locals can expect to see a police presence in the area for the time being,” Grantham said.
“I would like to commend everyone who was involved in this harrowing ordeal, from those who called emergency services, as well as first responders at the scene.”
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed they were called to the scene at 12.41am and sent two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, two helicopters and an operations manager.
Just before 2am, NZTA was warning road users to avoid the intersection of Waitārere Beach Rd and State Highway 1 because of a “police incident” and to delay their journeys if possible until further notice. SH1 was not affected by the closure.
A local shopkeeper said he was familiar with the couple that lived at the Waitārere Beach Rd address but he did not know them personally.
He said he believed the man who lived there had a reputation for being “impatient”.
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