The manhunt is continuing for a suspect after a man was left with serious gunshot injuries in a Waikato town on Tuesday morning.
Police said enquiries are ongoing after they were initially called to Waghorn Road in Wardville near Matamata at just after 1:35am.
"A man was located a short distance from a rural property with a gunshot injury and taken to hospital in a serious condition. He is currently undergoing surgery," Waikato East area Commander Inspector Dean Anderson said.
A nearby resident told Newshub there was what sounded like a helicopter in the air overnight and other loud machine noises.
Insp Anderson said local police were supported by the armed offender's squad and the Eagle helicopter and have been searching the wider area for a person of interest who has not been found yet.
Police believe it's not a gang-related incident and the individuals were known to each other, Insp Anderson said.
"A forensic examination is underway on Waghorn Road where the incident occurred. Cordons remain in place and the rural community will notice an increased police presence in the area," Insp Anderson said.
"If anyone in the area notices anything out of the ordinary on their property, including people who are not known to them, gates left open, equipment tampered with or vehicles taken, please call Police on 111 and quote event number P050980430."
