Wairarapa police concerned about increased illegal firearm use

Police say they are concerned about increased illegal firearm use in Wairarapa after two incidents involving guns within the last week.

Detective Senior Sergeant Philip Skoglund said one man was arrested in Martinborough early on Friday morning.

"About 12.30am, Police were called to a private address on Malcolm Street, following reports of a firearm being discharged," he said.

"The shooting allegedly occurred following a confrontation between two groups.

"Two shots were reportedly fired, one in the direction of a person. No injuries were reported, but a vehicle was hit."

A 22-year-old man was charged with discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate and was due to appear in Masterton District Court on 7 November, he said.

The other incident happened in Masterton last weekend.

Skoglund said a man was denied entry to a private party on Judds Road about 2am on Sunday, 1 November.

A fight broke out on the road and the man left in a taxi, making verbal threats as he left.

"First into the air, then in the direction of a group of people outside the address, putting everyone in the area in danger."

No one was injured, he said, though some partygoers were shaken.

A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm, two counts of reckless discharge of firearm and driving while disqualified.

He would next appear in Masterton District Court on 10 December.