One person is dead and three people are in a critical condition after a shooting overnight in Waitārere Beach. Emergency services including police, rescue helicopters and ambulances were called to an emergency incident in the middle of the night in Waitārere Beach, north of Levin. Police said they responded to a 111 call about 12:40am. “Responding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address and when they arrived, four people were found with wounds that are consistent with being shot, said Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham. “An adult woman and two older teenage males were located with critical injuries. The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance and the two males flown to Wellington Hospital. “Another young person who was at the address is physically unharmed and they are being given wrap-around support.” Grantham said a firearm was located at the scene and a forensic examination of the property would begin today. While the police were not looking for anyone else, officers would be visible around the area while the investigation progresses. “This is a shocking incident for Waitārere Beach and the district. This was a confronting scene, and I want to acknowledge the emergency personnel who responded to the call for help. “We are still in the very early stages of our enquiries, but we are focused on understanding how and why this tragic event occurred,” Inspector Grantham says. Information will be released proactively when it becomes available. This morning the only road in and out of the small beachside community is closed. A St John spokesman confirmed they were called to the scene at 12.41am, sending two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, two helicopters and an operations manager. He referred all other questions to police. Just before 2am NZTA was warning road users to avoid the intersection of Waitārere Beach Rd and State Highway 1 due to a “police incident”, and to delay their journeys if possible until further notice. SH1 was not affected by the closure. SH1 LEVIN, MANAWATU-WHANGANUI - INCIDENT - 5:55AMDue to an incident at the Waitarere Beach Rd intersection, access to SH1 from Waitarere Beach Rd is CLOSED. Delay your journey or detour to avoid the area. ^AG pic.twitter.com/dGmK8kuIsi— NZ Transport Agency - Central North Island (@nztacni) January 13, 2026 Fire and Emergency central shift manager Belinda Beets said Fenz was called to help St John with a landing zone for the helicopters. She was unable to provide further details. More to come