The gun used to shoot a 39-year-old man in Gisborne early this morning has not yet been found, police say.
The man was left fighting for his life after another man entered his house in the suburb of Elgin and made demands about 2.40am.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott said the offender then shot one of the house's occupants before leaving the scene in a vehicle.
"We believe this man is known to the two people who were at the address."
The victim was taken by ambulance to Gisborne Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
A 42-year-old Gisborne man was arrested "without incident" by members of the police armed offenders squad at another local address between one and two hours after the shooting.
He had been charged in connection with the incident and will appear in Gisborne District Court tomorrow.
"We're looking at the scene and we'll continue to examine that in conjunction with the ESR forensic scientists and we're hoping to speak to anybody who may have information," Mr Scott said.
A vehicle believed to be connected to the incident was also being examined, however the firearm used in the shooting had not yet been found.
Police have urged anyone with information about the firearm or the shooting to contact Gisborne police or the Crimestoppers line, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Earlier this morning, police said the shot man had died in hospital as a result of his injuries, but they later said he had not died.
