A man has appeared in court charged with two counts of murder after a double shooting in West Auckland.
Two people are dead and the Herald understands the victims are a woman and her father.
The Herald has learned the woman's dog was also shot dead in the incident.
The accused has appeared in the the Waitakere District Court this morning.
The 27-year-old was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody until his next appearance on August 3 in the High Court at Auckland.
The victims' names and other details related to the incident were also suppressed by Justice of the Peace Jacqueline Jonson at the brief court hearing.
About 10 people, including a sobbing woman holding hands with two other people, were let into the public gallery.
Another group of five people were in the public gallery on the other side of the court.
There was a heavy police presence in court, including three police officers between the two separated groups in the public gallery.
Tearful family or friends of the victims have arrived outside court, holding flowers and embracing.
They did not want to speak to media.
Family members have taken to Facebook to pay tribute to the pair.
One woman said the deaths were "ripping me apart".
"Our family will never be the same," she said.
"Two beautiful souls gone, just like that.
"Love you so much dad, it has been my absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to call you my father-in-law."
She also wrote about the man's daughter.
"Our stunning princess, my lovely, beautiful sister-in-law - both gone way too f***ing soon.... you will never be forgotten."
"Police are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation and believe that those involved were known to each other," said Detective Inspector John Sutton.
"Police inquiries are continuing, including the scene examination and locals will see an increased Police presence in the area until tomorrow.
"Post-mortem examinations will be carried out in the coming days.
"Police are not in a position to release the victims' names at this time. As this matter is now before the Court, police have no further comment."
Police arrived at the Barrys Rd property at 3pm and found two bodies at the address.
Residents on Barrys Rd described the incident, telling the Herald they heard gunfire, and a man and a woman screaming.
A resident told the Herald she initially heard several loud bangs.
"There were a bunch of gunshots before a screaming man and woman," she said. "There's a helicopter hovering above and all the roads are blocked."
She said there were several police officers, armed with rifles, and at least two ambulances on the street which had been blocked off by police tape at both ends.
The accused was arrested at 4.30pm.
Friends of one of the victims have this morning posted tributes.
"I woke to some very tragic news this morning," said one man.
He said one of the victims was a woman and the other her father.
"You left us way too soon and many many people that you've touched (through your job) and your welcoming soul will miss you," he posted.
Sutton said the man charged was located at a Te Atatu Peninsula address.
A scene examination is currently underway at the Barrys Rd house.
Cordons will remain in place and locals will see an increased police presence in the area.
"Police understand this was an alarming incident for local residents and we would like to reassure the community that at this stage, we are not seeking anyone else," said Sutton.
"The investigation is in its very early stages and we are still asking any witnesses to contact Police on 105 quoting 220715/6707."
One Barry's Rd resident said he had met the deceased man and he was "a nice guy".
- Additional reporting Cherie Howie, Dubby Henry
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