Man identified over gunshot wound

The wounded man was dropped at Christchurch Hospital in this car. Photo / NZ Police

Two men who dropped a man off at Christchurch Hospital with a gunshot wound to his head have been identified by police.

All three men have known gang connections, police said today, and the pair were "extremely reluctant to talk to police".

It follows an investigation launched in the early hours of Sunday morning, when a 40-year-old man was dropped off at the hospital with a gunshot wound to his head by two men who then fled.

He remains in a stable condition in Christchurch Hospital, and has now regained consciousness, police said.

"However, it is likely to be another two to three days, at least, before police will be able to speak with him about the incident," Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart.

"The victim's family have asked for privacy and do not want any further updates on the man's medical condition to be released at this time."

Meanwhile, investigations into the two men had led to their identification, Mr Stewart said.

"Our inquiries have identified the two men who have gang connections. To date they have been extremely reluctant to talk to police about the incident."

The weapon has yet to be recovered.

"With a gang-related incident such as this there is potential for an escalation. However, we would like to reassure the public that Canterbury police officers directly involved in the investigation and other prevention staff are focussing their efforts to prevent further incidents," Mr Stewart said.

Anyone with information about the incident -- including anyone who may have seen the green/blue Subaru station wagon which drove the man to hospital -- is asked to contact police on 03 363 7400 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.