A man who suffered leg and hand injuries in a shooting incident in Foxton on Thursday (11 June) was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon.
The 25-year-old Horowhenua man was found in a Holden Calais car on a driveway in Union Street around 4.25pm on Thursday after an emergency call was made to ambulance from a payphone in the town.
He was initially airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital and later transferred to Hutt Hospital.
A police investigation was launched and as a result of enquiries over the last few days police believe the shooting occurred on Motuiti Marae. It is probable that the victim was in the blue and silver Holden Calais when he received the injuries and that he was then driven to Union Street.
Earlier in the day Dennis Hines, the founder of the Nomad gang in Horowhenua and Otaki had been buried and a tangi had been held at the Marae. The victim of the shooting was in fact a relative of Dennis Hines.
Police have to date only received limited co-operation about the incident. Today the car is being forensically examined by ESR and a firearms expert. Police are also looking to take formal statements from the four people they believe were in the car on the night, including the victim.
Detective Senior Sergeant Marc Hercock, who is leading the investigation, said: "There has been a great deal of rumour and speculation about what happened on Thursday. I'm in the business of fact, not speculation and it is important that anyone who knows what really happened come forward and speak to us.
"There were hundreds of people on the Marae throughout the day. I know that a large proportion of those people were there through their affiliation to the Marae, as opposed to any gang affiliation, and I would encourage those people in particular to come and talk to us. Even if someone isn't sure whether the information is relevant they should still come forward, the police will decide its relevance."
Although witnesses are always encouraged to provide their details, a Crime Line has been set up which allows callers, concerned about identifying themselves, to leave their information anonymously. The Crime Line is 06 366 0528. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.