Man in serious condition after shooting (+ video)

A rescue helicopter flew from the area about 25km north of Dunedin, two hours later and armed police surrounded neighbouring houses before finding the body of a 53-year-old local woman in a Coast Rd home.

The man was taken to Dunedin Hospital in critical condition yesterday, but this morning was described as being in a serious condition.

Police would not comment on the relationship between the pair, but said a firearm was found in the reserve and they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter. They would not comment on the nature of the woman's death or how long she was suspected of being dead.

It is understood the man suffered serious gunshot wounds.

Specialist forensic and police staff were continuing their inquiry today, which included a cordon on Coast Rd.

Detectives were seen carrying evidence bags from Truby King Reserve yesterday. Police have not charged anyone in relation to the incident and would not comment on whether charges were likely or possible. 

Detective Seninr Sergeant Malcolm Inglis said police wanted to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident and residents should not feel concerned for their safety.

Police want to hear from anyone who had knowledge of any incident occurring in the Seacliff area over the past weeks. 

Anyone with information can contact the investigation team by calling the Dunedin Central Police Station on (03) 471 4800. Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on  0800 555 111. 

Neighbours heard pair arguing 

A Seacliff resident told the Otago Daily Times the man and woman involved in the incident lived close to each other and would often argue.

"They used to get drunk together and get angry,'' the resident said. "You could hear them at the top of Coast Rd screaming and shouting. We just kept away.''

Another resident, who did not wish to be identified, last night said she had heard gunshots.

"I heard gunshots in the forest - about six shots went off. I didn't think anything of it.''

Another resident at the scene said a dispute led to the deadly incident. She would not elaborate, but said she knew the pair and some in the community knew about their ongoing conflict.

Another Seacliff resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was a friend of the woman.

"We all care about each other and I am very worried about the people who were involved,'' she said.

Having an armed incident in the small township was "terribly unsettling'', she said.

"You get the beauty and the peace and quiet, but then there's the other side [of it being] a place where people who can't kind of cope with the city might live.''

Another resident said she knew the dead woman "well'' and knew the injured man by sight.

"She had come up to show us her wee dog on Sunday. I don't think I have ever seen her happier.

"I know there had been a bit of a spat or two going on. I never thought anything like this would have happened. It's so peaceful here most of the time.''

There had been feuds in the area in the past, but nothing of this magnitude, she said.

Otago Coastal area commander Inspector Jason Guthrie said despite the "‘‘unexpected and tragic'' nature of the incident, residents in the area could feel safe.

"People are able to go about their business and police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident,'' he said.

Police were still working through formally identifying the pair and the deceased's name would not be publicly released until those inquiries were complete.

Police were dealing with three scenes, he said, understood to be the reserve, the dead woman's house and a neighbouring property.

timothy.brown@odt.co.nz