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\nPolice at the scene at Wait\u0101rere Beach, a small settlement 13km south of Foxton.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
Warning: This article discusses family harm.<\/p>\n
Horowhenua’s mayor says a shooting overnight that left a man dead and three people critically hurt was a family harm incident.<\/p>\n
Police were called to a Wait\u0101rere Beach address near Levin at about 12.40am on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
They found four people with gunshot wounds when they arrived.<\/p>\n
Hato Hone St John said it sent two helicopters, two ambulances, one operations manager and two rapid response vehicles to the scene.<\/p>\n
![\"Wait\u0101rere](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JUTU2B_google_map_png.jpeg\")
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\nWait\u0101rere Beach Road.
\nPhoto: Google Maps\n<\/p>\n
Manawat\u016b Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said a woman and two teenage boys have been taken to hospital in a critical condition. The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance and the two teenagers were flown to Wellington Hospital.<\/p>\n
“Another young person who was at the address is physically unharmed and they are being given wrap-around support,” Grantham said.<\/p>\n
He said the gun was found at the scene and a forensic examination of the property will take place on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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\nPolice were not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
Access to State Highway 1 from Wait\u0101rere Beach Road was closed overnight; however, it has since reopened under traffic management.<\/p>\n
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden told RNZ it was a family harm incident and described the shooting as tragic.<\/p>\n
“As far as I am aware, it is only family members who have been involved in this incident,” he said.<\/p>\n
Neighbour Elizabeth Taylor told RNZ she was woken up last night by helicopters and lights.<\/p>\n
“We thought, ‘What the heck is going on?'” She said.<\/p>\n
She said a handful of neighbours gathered in the street.<\/p>\n
![\"One](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JUTSZB_IMG_1405_jpg_1.jpeg\")
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\nPolice at the scene of the shooting.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
A local cafe owner said he had a booking of 12 cancel on Wednesday morning because of the shooting.<\/p>\n
He said despite the incident being a few kilometres away, people were not keen to come in.<\/p>\n
A Wait\u0101rere resident, who didn’t want to be named, told RNZ they were confronted by stop\/go traffic control on Wednesday morning, and said it had been “absolutely horrible” as more details came to light.<\/p>\n
It was the sort of small community where everyone knew everyone, they said.<\/p>\n
“Very surprised because it is a very close-knit community … and very very safe.”<\/p>\n
Grantham said police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting, and officers would be visible around the area while an investigation is underway.<\/p>\n
![\"Inspector](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JXSOVE_Image_jfif.jpeg\")
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\nManawat\u016b Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham
\nPhoto: RNZ Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
“This is a shocking incident for Wait\u0101rere Beach and the district,” Grantham said.<\/p>\n
“This was a confronting scene, and I want to acknowledge the emergency personnel who responded to the call for help.<\/p>\n
“We are still in the very early stages of our enquiries, but we are focused on understanding how and why this tragic event occurred.”<\/p>\n
He said police will release more information when it becomes available.<\/p>\n
The police presence had reduced on Wednesday morning, with two officers and a patrol car parked outside the address.<\/p>\n
Another family killing<\/p>\n
The latest incident comes just over ten years after a horrific crime shook the small township.<\/p>\n
In 2016, 26-year-old Eric McIsaac was sentenced to life imprisonment after he admitted murdering his brother<\/a>, 10-year-old Alex Fisher, at Wait\u0101rere Beach the previous year.<\/p>\n Alex’s body was found after a three-day search involving more than 100 people helped by helicopters, police dog units, search and rescue teams, and Air Force personnel.<\/p>\n McIsaac was sentenced to life in jail with 14 years without parole for the murder.<\/p>\n Where to get help:<\/p>\n Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason<\/p>\n Lifeline<\/a>: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357 Depression Helpline<\/a>: 0800 111 757 or text 4202<\/p>\n Samaritans<\/a>: 0800 726 666<\/p>\n Youthline<\/a>: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz<\/p>\n What’s Up<\/a>: 0800 WHATSUP \/ 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds<\/p>\n Asian Family Services<\/a>: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.<\/p>\n Rural Support Trust Helpline<\/a>: 0800 787 254 Rainbow Youth<\/a>: (09) 376 4155<\/p>\n OUTLine<\/a>: 0800 688 5463<\/p>\n
\nSuicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 \/ 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends<\/p>\n
\nHealthline: 0800 611 116<\/p>\n