Woman shot dead in Waikato

File photo / Richard Robinson

A woman has been shot dead in Matamata this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Van De Wetering said the woman's body was found in an outer building on a rural property.

The shooting happened near the town's race course at about 8.15am.

"It appears the woman has been shot and we are currently interviewing a man in relation to what has occurred," Mr Van De Wetering said.

"At this point it is too early to comment further on what has occurred, further details including the identity of the victim will be released later in the day."

He said police believe the shooting was a "domestic incident".

Armed police were called to the Waikato township to deal with the incident.

Cordons were set-up around Banks Ave and police were searching a country lane nearby.

- NZHERALD STAFF