New Zealand / Auckland Region

Police respond to firearms incident in Auckland's Beach Haven

14:55 pm on 4 June 2022

Residents of the Auckland suburb of Beach Haven were woken this morning by gunshots fired in the direction of a Mirage Place house.

Photo:

One local man told RNZ he heard five gunshots at 5.15am, which he said was "pretty scary".

Police said there had been no reports of injuries.

MP for Northcote Shanan Halbert said Beach Haven had old ties to gangs.

While the area had previously had gang links, this morning's shooting was a shock, Halbert said.

"This would be the first shooting incident that we've seen for a while in the Beach Haven area.

"We've had gang affiliations in our areas for decades, so it's nothing new in that sense, but when we see these types of issues it is of concern."

Halbert had been speaking to residents, who were worried about safety.

"Our community is looking for solutions, so the community policing response is one.

"The second one that I spoke about this morning is the importance of working with North Shore Community Patrol and our North Shore Māori wardens."

North Shore ward councillor Chris Darby has been speaking to residents this morning.

"People are still trying to find out information and police are doing their very best to get on top of this incident.

"I know absolutely there will be some concern and there will be some fear because a firearm being discharged can cause death and serious injury."

A number of residents took to social media to say they were woken up by the sound of gunshots and heard a helicopter flying over the area.

Darby said this morning's incident was very concerning.

"I'm shocked at even a single firearms incident anywhere in Auckland but deeply worried when it comes right into your home patch, it's not isolated now, it's becoming a pattern and a very worrying pattern."

Police said it was too soon to tell if this shooting was gang-related.

An investigation is underway and anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 105.