March 25, 2025

Police Alarmed by Weekend Surge in Gun Crimes Across New Zealand

Kawe Roes Posted On March 25, 2025

Police are worried about a rise in gun crimes after several incidents over the weekend, including one that resulted in a man's death.

Police are worried about a rise in gun crimes after several incidents over the weekend, including one that resulted in a man’s death.

Five serious gun-related incidents occurred in Wairarapa, Wellington, Gisborne, Palmerston North, and Warkworth.

The first incident happened in Gisborne on Saturday morning when shots were fired at a house. Later, a man was killed in a drive-by shooting in Wairarapa.

On Sunday, there was a car stolen at gunpoint in Strathmore, and a man threatened people with a gun in Palmerston North. State Highway 1 near Warkworth was closed due to reports of gunfire.

Chris Cahill, president of the police association, said these incidents are just the reported ones. He is aware of at least four more over the weekend, saying this is the new normal for front-line officers.