A series of firearms incidents in Levin over recent days has been linked to internal gang conflict, police say.
The first incident occurred on Monday morning, when a man arrived at a healthcare centre with a gunshot wound to his thigh. He was later transferred to Palmerston North Hospital in serious condition.
Later that evening, around 8:55pm, shots were fired from a vehicle towards a house on Hinemoa Street. No one was injured, but police said the occupants and nearby residents were left shaken.
The violence continued early Tuesday, with reports of five gunshots heard on Mabel Street shortly after 6am. Officers discovered a shed that appeared to have been struck by bullets.
A fourth incident took place around midday on Wednesday, when another man was shot and seriously injured.
Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said a Gang Conflict Warrant had been put in place which enables the search and seizure of weapons in cars and locations where gang conflict was occurring.
“There have been four firearms incidents in as many days – neither police nor the community will tolerate such reckless violence.”
He said officers would be regularly patrolling public and retail spaces to help provide reassurance to citizens.
“We are utilising the powers we have available to help prevent further harm, and to hold those responsible to account.”
“We believe those involved are from the same gang and are therefore known to one another, so while that doesn’t generally present a risk to the wider community, it does create very real concern.”
Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden told Breakfast that Levin, like any small town in New Zealand, had gang issues from time to time.
“We don’t have incidents like this very often at all. This is untypical, and I can imagine that it is causing a lot of anxiety and uncertainty for our population, who don’t really need to have to put up with this sort of behaviour at all.”
There was not any particular risk to individuals or the wider public, he added.
“This is more a gang related incident that is within their own organisation. And hopefully, no people in the community should feel that they are at risk, but obviously they need to be aware of the situation and try as best they can to remain safe.”
