Earlier on Thursday, police said they were told a gun was fired at a vehicle outside a Mt Eden restaurant after a confrontation between two groups, resulting in a police chase towards Manurewa, before three people were arrested.
Police were called to an assault and shooting at Dunrobin Place, Highland Park, about 9.55pm on Thursday. Photo / Hayden Woodward
RNZ understood the later shooting occurred at Applejack’s Bar and Eatery, in Pakūranga Heights, near Highland Park.
Howick Local Board chairman Damian Light told RNZ most crime in the area was not like Thursday night’s shooting.
“I think that’s one of the reasons – obviously and understandably, right – it sparks concern from local residents, because it doesn’t happen often, which is a good thing, but when it does happen it does sort of worry people.”
The shooting had taken place in a popular area, he said: “Highland Park’s kind of right in the middle of East Auckland, so it is a popular area.”
Applejack’s did not wish to comment when contacted by RNZ.
Light urged members of the community with concerns to go to the police, rather than look on social media.
“In all these instances, it’s understandable that people are concerned, and there’s a lot of misinformation and social media goes nuts, and people start putting stuff on there,” he said.
“Not everything that people read or see is necessarily true, and it’s really important that we let the police do their job.”
He encouraged anyone with information about what happened to take it to the police, rather than post it online.
“Putting it on Facebook’s not helpful,” he said.
Police said in a statement they did not believe the two shootings on Thursday were linked, but said they were keeping an open mind as they investigated both.
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