Emergency services are responding a serious incident at a New World supermarket in the Wairarapa town of Carterton.
Carterton Mayor Ron Mark told 1News a person arrived in Carterton’s main street in a vehicle with a gunshot wound and the person has subsequently died.
He said police have the incident under control.
Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel said two people have been taken into custody and a homicide investigation launched.
“Around 4pm, police responded to reports of a firearms incident, where a firearm was discharged at a vehicle exiting the supermarket carpark on State Highway 2, Featherston.
“A short time later a man has been located in Carterton with an apparent gunshot wound, he has since died.”
Van De Heuvel said a second vehicle fled the scene and was intercepted by police “without incident” at Kaitoke on Remutaka Hill.
“The full extent of the two occupants’ involvement is a focus of our investigation,” he said.
The mayor said residents of Carterton should remain calm. He said it was an incident that “has come from outside into the community”.
Cordons were set up by police at locations in Featherston, Carterton and Kaitoke but all road closures were lifted by 7.30pm.
Carterton New World advised customers via social media that it was shut for an unspecified time.
“The store is closed until further notice. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
“We will keep you updated as to when we can re-open.”
Erna Erasmus, owner of Little Africa NZ in Carterton, said police had cordoned off the road with patrol cars, ambulance and a fire truck also in attendance.
She said police had set up a “gazebo” on the grounds of the New World car park.
A woman, who didn’t want to be identified, told 1News she was shopping at New World when the customers were advised over a speaker system that they would need to leave.
“As we exited, New World staff were ushering everyone out.”
She said police, ambulance and fire and emergency staff were in the carpark.
Detective Inspector Van De Heuvel added: “We acknowledge this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community. Police will have an increased presence in the community as we work to determine what led to the altercation, and who was involved.”
