Two women and a man had gone to a home to carry out a property inspection when they were shot at a rural Whangarei address today.
Police have confirmed they visited the scene of Wednesday's fatal shooting in Northland last month after concerns about an illegal structure built on the property.
In a statement issued this afternoon, police said an officer offered to visit the property and was told that the structure was a platform to be used for target practice.
After discussion with Quinn Patterson, and with no other relevant information the officer was aware of about Patterson, or activity at the property, he was satisfied it was a tenancy matter that required no further action by police.
This visit to the property forms part of the ongoing investigation into what was known about Patterson's background.
Friends have said he had an arsenal of grenades, shotguns, rifles and handguns.
Police confirmed he possessed a number of firearms but told the Herald yesterday that Patterson did not hold a firearms licence.
Police have confirmed they visited the scene of Wednesday's fatal shooting in Northland last month after concerns about an illegal structure built on the property. Photo / NZ Herald
Today's statement added: "While we understand the public's need for answers, Police is still piecing together everything that happened leading up to the events on Wednesday 26 July."
The home went up in flames after a firefight between police and Patterson as negotiations with the gunman failed.
Patterson later died after police had cordoned off the property.
Neither police nor Customs officials will discuss how Patterson may have established his armoury, but neighbours have alleged to the Herald that he was importing the firearms from overseas.
"How he came to acquire these firearms is clearly a concern, and an important focus of the investigation," police said.
Seemingly unaware of the cache of arms Patterson had procured, police said last night, exactly what firearms and other weapons Patterson had will only become apparent once the detailed scene examination is completed.
"These issues all form part of the meticulous investigation which is ongoing," said Superintendent Russell Le Prou, the Northland District Commander.
All three bodies of those who died have also now been removed from the Mt Tiger Rd property.
The bodies of both Wendy and Natanya Campbell were removed on Thursday with dozens of family members at the scene for the first time.
Post mortem examinations on the Campbells have been completed and their bodies have been returned to their families.
The remains of Patterson were removed yesterday, with a post mortem being completed this morning.
"Good progress is being made on the scene investigation and it is expected to be finished later today or tomorrow," police said.
Meanwhile, Jeff Pipe, the only surviving victim from the trio who visited the house to conduct a routine property inspection, has returned to his Onerahi home.
He continues to recover from gunshot wounds to his back and shoulder after escaping Patterson's fire by driving down the narrow and winding road in his maroon Suzuki 4WD to the safety of armed police.
Today, detectives, who have begun what will become a lengthy and "meticulous investigation", were at Pipe's home as they determine the catalyst for the killings of Wendy and Natanya.
Pipe's family, some of whom are believed to have arrived from Christchurch, have been by his side.
"I appreciate there are many questions being asked about this tragedy," Le Prou said.
"It is very important that we fully understand what led to the events of Wednesday, including what was known about Patterson."
Back at the crime scene, several fire investigators, who were at the property again early this morning, will continue to establish what started the fire which destroyed the house.
Forensic staff will also spend the weekend conducting a detailed search of what remains of the property.
"We will work tirelessly to ensure we get answers to the questions which are being asked, and identify any steps needed to prevent a tragedy like this occurring again," Le Prou said.
"It is at times like this that our community really shows its strength."
