Teen charged after woman, 20, fatally shot

File photo / NZ Herald

The fatal shooting of a young woman in a small and isolated Northland town last night is a tragic reminder of how dangerous guns can be, say police.

"This death did not need to happen," said police area commander, Inspector Chris Scahill.

The 20-year-old woman died after she was shot at a rural property near Okaihau, about 90km north west of Whangarei, last night.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the careless use of a firearm causing death and is due to appear in the Youth Court at Kaikohe today.

Police said because of the charge they could release few details of the death.

"This incident is yet again a timely reminder of the need to be extremely careful in the carriage and use of firearms," Mr Scahill said.

He said no one else was being sought over the death.

"There is no background to this matter at all. It is a simple case of a careless use of a firearm causing death."

He said initial police inquiries indicated it was an accidental shooting.

"However, a full investigation continues.

"It is a shocking tragedy for everybody connected with this incident and today a family mourns their loss."

Three ambulances raced to the isolated property between Kaikohe and Kerikeri but paramedics could do little to help the woman.

Local residents have been told by police not to talk about the shooting.

The name of the dead woman is yet to be released.

- NZPA