Taxi driver shot in Wellington after dispute over fare

The male driver was shot in the shoulder while he was in his taxi on Stone St in Miramar about 9.10pm, police said.

A taxi driver was shot in Wellington last night after a fare was disputed, police say.

The male driver was shot in the shoulder while he was in his taxi on Stone St in Miramar about 9.10pm, police said.

The taxi driver had taken a man and a woman from Courtenay Pl to Stone St where the dispute happened.

He managed to drive to a nearby service station where he was able to get help. He was then taken to Wellington Hospital with moderate injuries. He is now in a stable condition, a DHB spokesperson said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said the incident had "a staggering level of violence".

"This type of crime is unusual for Wellington and we want to reassure the community that Police are focused on finding those responsible and recovering the weapon," Leitch said.

Capital Taxis Director Tim Lauagiagi said a driver getting shot on the job was completely unacceptable.

He said this sort of thing doesn't usually happen in New Zealand and he was working alongside the police to find the people involved.

Lauagiagi says the taxi driver had been working for the company for more than five years and is a very experienced driver.

Investigators are in the early stages of gathering information on the shooting, including forensic evidence from the taxi, and are examining CCTV footage.

Police don't yet know what type of firearm was used.

"While our investigation continues, people on Stone St and the surrounding area will see a Police presence," Leitch said.

• Police are seeking sightings of a Capital Taxis white Toyota Camry sedan and a man and a woman on foot on Stone St between 9pm and 9.15pm. Police ask anyone with information to contact the enquiry team via 04 381 2000.
Anyone who has information but wishes to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.