Partner shot dead in domestic dispute

Police were last night hunting a person whose partner was found shot dead in their Kaitaia home after a Christmas Day argument.

Neighbours heard gunshots in the Grigg St house about 5.45pm.

"They checked the house and found the person deceased," said Inspector Scott Webb.

The shooting appeared to have started from a domestic dispute.

Early reports were that three shots had been fired.

Armed offenders squad members turned out and started looking for a person who had fled the scene.