A gunman is still on the loose after police targeted a house in Morrinsville for four hours, without success.
A photo that police say shows Rollie Heke, left, and a photo taken by RNZ of a car with visible bullet holes left at the scene. Photo: NZ Police / RNZ
Explosions were heard on Studholme Street last night in the search for 36-year-old Rollie James Heke, the man who police believed fired shots at officers early on Sunday morning.
"Armed police surrounded the house, they turned all the street lights off" - RNZ reporter Laura Tupou, in Morrinsville
A guard remained at the property overnight and a search of the address would continue today for evidence, police said.
A cordon had been taken down.
The house on Studholme Street, which police searched last night. Photo: RNZ / Laura Tupou
A man living nearby earlier told RNZ the house had been surrounded by armed police.
He said he heard police calling for someone to come out with their hands up and that they would not be harmed.
And a local women told RNZ she heard a number of explosions which she thought was tear gas being fired, and all the streetlights had been turned off.
Earlier, police named Mr Heke as the man they believe opened fire on officers on the outskirts of Morrinsville.
They said he was armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
He was the subject of several existing arrest warrants for methamphetamine-related offences and breach of bail conditions, they said.
They said anyone who helped him avoid being caught might be charged themselves.
Police shot at by military-style semi-automatic rifle
Police said a speeding car an officer was chasing on Sunday morning pulled over and one of the three people inside fired shots from a military-style semi-automatic rifle.
Police reinforcements arrived as the officer took shelter, and a gunfight ensued.
Nobody was injured in the shootout, and the three officers were rescued by Armed Offenders Squad members shortly afterwards.
The police have spoken to two of the people in the car: a man and a woman, aged between 25 and 30.