Man in serious condition after being shot by police in Massey

StuffNZ HeraldRNZ1NewsOtago Daily TimesWednesday 21 October 2026 · 5 outlets · 10 reports · updated
Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

A 55-year-old man is in serious condition after being shot by police during a standoff in Massey on Wednesday night. Officers responded to reports of a man with a long-barrelled weapon who had allegedly pointed it at a neighbour. Police say the man was shot after firing the weapon at officers.

Key facts

4 facts
  • 55-year-old man shot by police1NewsNZ Herald
  • Location: Mānutewhau Road, Massey, West AucklandNZ HeraldRNZ1News
  • Time of call: Approximately 7:49pm, WednesdayNZ Herald1NewsOtago Daily TimesRNZ
  • Time of shooting: Approximately 10:49pm1NewsNZ Herald

The full story

1 min read · 5 outlets

A 55-year-old man is in serious but non-life-threatening condition after being shot by police during a standoff in Massey, West Auckland. The man was taken to Auckland City Hospital under police guard and is scheduled for surgery.1NewsNZ HeraldOtago Daily TimesRNZ

Police were called to a property on Mānutewhau Road around 7:49pm on Wednesday following reports of a man with a long-barrelled weapon. Acting Superintendent Matt Laurenson stated that while a cordon was being established, the man discharged the weapon towards officers, though no police were injured. It is also alleged the man pointed the weapon at a neighbour.1NewsNZ HeraldOtago Daily TimesRNZ

Negotiators attempted to engage with the man, but he refused to comply with orders to be taken into custody. Police used sponge rounds and a Taser, but these had no effect as the man's behaviour escalated. At approximately 10:45pm, the Armed Offenders Squad used a battering ram to enter the house, and the man was subsequently shot.RNZ1NewsNZ HeraldOtago Daily Times

A critical incident investigation has been launched and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified. An increased police presence is expected in the area as scene examinations continue.1NewsNZ HeraldRNZ

How it developed

  • Thu 22 Oct, 6:48amOne report suggested the person was in critical condition before later reports clarified the condition was serious but not life-threatening1News

Where reports differ

  • One report stated shots were heard around midnight, while other reports and police accounts place the entry and shooting around 10:45pm to 10:49pmStuffNZ HeraldRNZ1NewsOtago Daily Times
  • One report cited the initial call occurred on Thursday, while others state it was WednesdayStuffNZ HeraldRNZ1NewsOtago Daily Times
  • One report described the man's condition as critical, whereas others stated it was serious but not life-threateningStuffNZ HeraldRNZ1NewsOtago Daily Times

Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, RNZ, 1News and Otago Daily Times.

How they headlined it

First reported by Stuff, Wed 21 Oct, 10:26pm · 10 reports from 5 outlets over 15 hours
  1. StuffStuff

    Police responding to incident in Massey (opens in new tab)

  2. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Armed man in standoff with police at Massey, West Auckland home, people warned to stay away (opens in new tab)

  3. RNZRNZ

    Armed Offenders Squad storm Massey property after man reported with firearm (opens in new tab)

  4. 1News1News

    Person critically injured after standoff with armed police in west Auckland (opens in new tab)

  5. Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times

    Man shot by police after threatening them with gun (opens in new tab)