50-year-old man shot dead in Te Araroa; two in custody

Photo / File

A 30-year-old man has been charged with murder and another is facing firearms charges after a shooting on the East Coast last night.

A 50-year-old Te Araroa man died after he was shot on a property in the small rural settlement just after 7pm. Police are yet to release the man's name.

A 30-year-old Te Araroa man has been charged with the man's murder and a 32-year-old man, also from Te Araroa, is facing a charge of recklessly discharging a firearm.

The 30-year-old is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on Thursday, while the 32-year-old has been bailed to appear in the same court next Monday.

Police have found two firearms they believe are linked to the shooting. One was found at the scene while the other was found a short distance away.

Detective Inspector Mike Foster said police were talking to several witnesses who were at the scene last night as well as friends and associates of the victim.

"We are in the early stages of our investigation and there is not a lot of information available at this time. We hope to clarify the circumstances of the shooting as the inquiry progresses," Mr Foster said.

Police are still appealing for anyone to come forward who has information about the shooting. A post mortem will be conducted tomorrow.