A person has been found dead and another critically injured in Te Awakairangi/Lower Hutt on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to a property on George St in Stokes Valley just after 2am, Det Insp Haley Ryan said.
"Upon arriving at the address, officers located one man, who sadly died at the scene, and a second injured man a short distance away.
"The surviving victim was transported to hospital, where they have undergone surgery for life-threatening injuries."
A homicide investigation has since been launched.
"Police would like to work with the community and urge anyone with information that could assist our enquiries to contact us."
That includes people who may have CCTV footage within Stokes Valley and on Eastern Hutt Rd.
One neighbour who lives near the property told Newshub he thought it was a gang fight, with about 20 people involved.
"It was a Christmas Party I think amongst the gang that lives around here."
He said they were "just causing grief, burnouts and fights, all between themselves".
"They weren't hurting anyone else."
The neighbour said there were no gunshots but "just a fight".
A scene examination is underway to "determine what has occurred and there is a heightened police presence in the area", Det Insp Ryan said.
The public can share information, photos or videos with police by calling 105, or going online here and referencing file number 231216/6245.
People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
