A fatal shooting in broad daylight at a Whangārei park popular with families has rocked the suburb of Onerahi.
Questions were raised about how safe the seaside community is.
Police yesterday launched a homicide investigation after a woman was reportedly shot dead at the Beach Rd Reserve about 11.10am.
A witness said they saw a woman shot twice by a man.
The woman was found dead at the park by police, who also discovered the suspected gunman in a critical condition.
He remains in a serious condition in hospital.
The witness said they did not know who the man and woman were.
Nearby residents reported hearing gunshots before police suddenly swarmed the waterfront park.
Neighbours were shocked and saddened by the shooting.
Rahera Tau and her family live close to the park and use it often, either for exercise or for her two kids to play on the playground.
She said she was sad to hear there was a shooting and felt a bit unsafe.
“It’s so sad, especially in a kids’ area, by a playground. People won’t want to come out here anymore.”
Her concerns were echoed online as people said the shooting had left them feeling unsafe.
On Friday morning, a bouquet of flowers was the only sign at the park of the incident.
A freedom camper from Auckland said he parked at the reserve at about 10pm on Thursday as police were packing up.
The man, who didn’t want to give his name, said he had no concern about safety and never had trouble with fellow freedom campers but had heard loud noises from other people staying outside the freedom camping area.
On Friday afternoon, police said investigators were still piecing together the events leading to the “tragic” incident.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said at this stage, police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the homicide.
“Our thoughts are with the woman’s whānau and loved ones at this difficult time.”
A post mortem is taking place today, which will include formal identification.
“The investigation is still in the very early stages, and we will continue to establish the facts about what unfolded yesterday.”
Pilmer urged anyone in and around the Beach Rd area yesterday, who hasn’t spoken to police, to come forward.
“Anyone who was in the Beach Rd, Whangarei Heads Rd, Raurimu Ave and Church St areas between 8am and 11.15am with any dashcam, cell phone or CCTV footage is urged to reach out.”
Videos can be uploaded online, or people can call police on 105 and quote file number 250227/1223.
Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom understood the incident was unsettling for the wider community.
“Police would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the wider public.”
She said serious incidents such as yesterday’s shooting were not the norm.
“ ... But we know when events like these happen they can cause angst for our communities and those involved.”
Tau said a lot of people freedom camp by the park and can get a bit loud at night.
But during the day, the park is well used by children, dog walkers and fishers, she said.
Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo called Onerahi a lovely suburb.
“Onerahi has always been a very loving, caring community. It’s got a great football club and rugby club, and lots of things that the community is involved in.
“This is going to affect the community, there’s no doubt about it but the good thing is that there are no safety concerns at all.”
His sentiment was echoed by Tau, who said there are many nice people in the community.
Nordstrom said police would carry out reassurance patrols to alleviate some concern.
At the time of the incident, the reserve was busy with fishers and freedom campers, who left after being interviewed by police.
People reported seeing more than eight police cars in the area, as well as armed police and multiple ambulances. Hato Hone St John sent three ambulances, an operations manager and one rapid response vehicle to the scene.
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