Police: Man dies after late-night shooting in Manurewa, homicide investigation underway

Police have opened a homicide investigation after a man was found dead in the south Auckland suburb of Manurewa overnight, Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau CIB has confirmed.

Emergency services were called to an address on Balfour Road at around 11.10pm after reports a man had been shot.

Despite efforts by police and ambulance crews, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bright says cordons remain in place as officers carry out a detailed scene examination.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled for tomorrow to help establish the circumstances of the death.

Residents in the area are likely to see an increased police presence as enquiries continue, Bright says. Police believe there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Police cordons on Balfour Road in Manurewa after a man was found dead, prompting a homicide investigation. Photo/RNZ/Kim Baker-Wilson

The investigation is being treated as a homicide, and detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Members of the public can contact Police on 105, quoting reference 260109/6338.

“We are continuing to make enquiries and would appreciate any information from people who might have seen or heard anything unusual in the area overnight,” Bright says.

Manurewa is one of South Auckland’s largest suburbs. According to the 2023 Census, it has a population of around 35,700 people, with a particularly high proportion of Pacific people at about 46 per cent - significantly above the Auckland regional average.

Māori, Asian and European communities also form part of the area’s multicultural mix.

South Auckland suburbs, including Manurewa, have historically faced higher rates of crime and violent offending than some other parts of Auckland, with local community and council leaders regularly calling for sustained efforts to improve safety and support for young people.

Official crime statistics do not track every incident publicly, but local safety data suggests violent and property offences occur at above-average rates in parts of the region.

The death comes amid wider community concerns about violence in the area.

South Auckland suburbs have recorded high levels of firearm-related incidents in previous years. But authorities say such reports can vary over time.

Detectives remain at the scene as enquiries continue. Police say there is no ongoing risk to the public. Photo/RNZ/Kim Baker-Wilson

Bright says police are committed to a thorough investigation and expressed support for the victim’s family.

“This is a tragic event that will deeply affect the community,” she says. “We are working hard to establish the full circumstances and ensure those responsible are held to account.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.