Police are hunting a gunman in the Tararua District and advising residents to stay inside and lock doors.
Around 3.45pm police began the pursuit of a vehicle after the driver made off following a breath-test. The pursuit was called off a short time later for safety reasons.
The offending vehicle then crashed at Butcher's Creek, north of Norsewood. It is believed that a police patrol car was shot at as they arrived at that location.
The armed offender ran off and reports were then received that a farm worker had been shot at a house nearby. The circumstances surrounding this shooting are unclear at the moment. The injured man is believed to be a farmer or farm worker and has been shot in the shoulder. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Police have numerous cordons in the area and are still trying to locate the gunman. A car, which is believed to be the offender's vehicle, has been located.
Police also believe they know the identity of the man. His name is not being made public at this stage but he is believed to be 46 years old, white European, about 170cms tall with a stocky build. He should not under any circumstances be approached and any sightings should be reported to police immediately.
SH2 is closed and will remain so for some time. All residents in the Takapau, Ormondville and Norsewood areas, and in between are asked to stay inside, lock doors and stay away from windows.
Operations Manager Inspector David White: "Locating the offender and the safety of the public and police staff is our primary concern at this stage. As that is our focus we are not in a position to confirm or discuss in any details the incidents leading up to this point or possible motives for this man's actions. Further information will be made available as soon as we have it and residents and motorists are advised to monitor the media for updates around pubic safety and road closures."
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.