As stated by Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell, Far North Area Investigations Manager:
Northland Police continue to hold to account those offenders involving themselves in firearms related violence in the Far North.
Police responded to reports of a firearm allegedly being discharged at an address in Kaikohe just after 10am this morning.
Multiple units attended the address and subsequently located an illegal firearm, which has resulted in two people being taken into custody.
Two men, one 21-year-old and one 49-year-old, have both been charged with carelessly discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
They are both due to appear in the Kaikohe District Court tomorrow.
These arrests follow a series of arrests Police have made in connection with firearms violence that has occurred in the Far North community in recent months, however we do not believe this incident is directly linked to any recent gang conflict in the area.
Police would like to reiterate our message to the community that these incidents are taken extremely seriously.
We have already warned they are stepping up their enforcement and disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country, and will continue to do so as Operation Cobalt rolls out.
Northland Police have acted on information from the public, which has led to today's arrests.
We have an extremely low tolerance for anti-social behaviour or violence in our communities and we welcome anyone who may have information on those illegally in possession of firearms to come forward.
They can contact us anytime through 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
