Man in Critical Condition After Shooting in Lower Hutt; Police Lay Charges

Lower Hutt, New Zealand — A 39-year-old man was critically injured in a shooting incident in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, on Sunday morning, prompting police to charge a 25-year-old Taitā man with serious offenses. The incident, which occurred around 9:00 a.m., has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about gun violence in the area.

According to Detective Sergeant Martin Todd, police were called to the Hanson Grove area after reports of gunshots. The victim was immediately airlifted to Wellington Hospital in critical condition, where he remains in a stable but serious condition.

The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was arrested the previous night and has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful possession of a firearm. The suspect appeared in court today and was remanded in custody, with a re-appearance scheduled for August 14 in the Hutt Valley District Court.

Police have also seized a maroon-colored Toyota MarkX station wagon, which they say will be subject to forensic examination. Earlier reports indicated that a dark-colored vehicle was seen fleeing the scene at high speed immediately after the shooting. Authorities are now asking anyone who may have seen the maroon station wagon on Sunday morning to come forward with any information.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the Hanson Grove area in Stokes Valley, the Sladden St area in Naenae, or Poole St in Taitā between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 3, to review it and contact police if they have any relevant information," said Detective Sergeant Todd.

A visible police presence remains in the Stokes Valley area as investigations continue. The incident has sparked discussions about gun control and public safety in the region, with local leaders calling for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the victim fights for his life, the community is left reeling. The case is expected to be closely watched by legal experts and law enforcement officials, with the outcome likely to have broader implications for New Zealand’s approach to firearm regulation and crime prevention.

What’s next? Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and they are urging the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could lead to the resolution of this case. Meanwhile, the victim’s family is seeking support from local community groups and charities.