A homicide investigation has been launched after a man died from a gunshot wound in South Wairarapa on Saturday afternoon, prompting a large police response across the region.
Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel confirmed two people have been taken into custody following the incident, which began around 4pm near the supermarket on State Highway 2 in Featherston. A firearm was reportedly discharged at a vehicle exiting the supermarket carpark.
Shortly after, a man with an apparent gunshot wound was found in Carterton. He later died from his injuries.
Police intercepted a second vehicle without incident at Kaitoke — a location well-known to Porirua drivers heading over the Remutaka Hill Road — and are now investigating the involvement of the vehicle’s two occupants.
State Highway 2 was temporarily closed but has since reopened. Scene examinations are continuing in Featherston and will remain in place over the coming days.
Detective Inspector Van De Heuvel acknowledged the impact on the local community.
“We understand this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community,” he said. “Police will have an increased presence in the area as we work to determine what led to the altercation and who was involved.”
The incident has sparked concern beyond the Wairarapa, with many Porirua residents regularly travelling the route or having whānau connections in the region.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police via 105, quoting Operation Ascot — File number: 250322/8281.
Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who witnessed the events near the Featherston supermarket or saw the vehicles involved.