One person has died and three are injured in a suspected shooting near Kawhia on Thursday morning.
The incident is understood to have taken place at a farm near Hauturu school, where the four men went to find help afterwards.
Authorities were called at roughly 4am on Thursday morning after a report of the four people being found injured.
Initial indications suggest the injuries had been sustained in a firearm incident, police say.
The three other individuals are still in a moderate condition.
A neighbour in a cordoned off area near the school told Newshub they weren't allowed to leave the area and kids can't go to the school where the incident happened.
The neighbour heard yelling and shouting to "surrender" at 4am, with Armed Offenders Squad teams swarming the school grounds.
The neighbour spoke of clothes being strewn around the school house.
On a road near the school, there was a red vehicle upside down. That has been taken away as well as a white vehicle, the neighbour says.
Police say one person is assisting them with their enquiries, and no one else was being sought in relation to the incident.
The circumstances of the incident are still being investigated.
Police would like to hear from anyone with information - phone 105 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
