Two men are due to appear in court after police believe a patrol car was shot at in Wairoa.
Tairāwhiti Police said officers were responding to a report of a breach of the peace in Churchill Avenue, Wairoa, at around 10:30pm on Saturday, and while there a headlight on a patrol car was damaged.
"Attending officers had reason to believe that a shot may have been fired at their vehicle, from a residence in the avenue," police said.
"They cordoned and contained the area and subsequently arrested two people when they attempted to leave in a vehicle."
A firearm was also seized from the vehicle.
A 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old man are due to appear in Gisborne District Court on Monday facing charges in relation to the incident.
A search warrant was obtained for a property of interest in the avenue and it was searched with the support of armed offenders squad (AOS) personnel, police said. No further firearms were seized or arrests made.
The property was secured for an evidential search and enquiries are ongoing.
Tairāwhiti Police Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama acknowledged the efforts of the staff involved in the incident.
"While a lot of attention has been on the Police response to Cyclone Gabrielle, some people forget that our 'business as usual' response to offending hasn't stopped during the fortnight since the cyclone," Insp Aberahama said.
"I'm always impressed with the resilience of our team, many of whom have been personally affected by the cyclone and ongoing weather events, all of whom have the safety of their communities at the front of their mind when they come into work."
Insp Aberahama said Saturday night's incident was a good example of the "cohesive response" Tairāwhiti Police can make when faced with challenging incidents.
"Everyone played their part toward a successful outcome - from the frontline officers in Wairoa who were the first responders to the initial incident and the additional officers who travelled from Gisborne to provide support, to the CIB staff who are assisting with the evidential work and preparation of the prosecution file," Insp Aberahama said.
"Our community can be assured that even while we're dealing with cyclone recovery, Police will be out in force in and around the District, and criminal activity will not be tolerated."
Police reminded the public to report any incidents of concern so they can intervene before it escalates.
If it is happening now, call 111, and other information can be provided to 105 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
