Man, 25 charged after a firearm discharged at Work and Income centre
- Cambelle Cook
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 15
Cambelle Cook
May 7, 2025
A neighbour heard yelling around the time a shot was fired inside a Work and Income office in Masterton on Monday.
“We did hear some yelling, some guy shouting,” the neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said yesterday.
A man appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday after discharging a firearm in the Ministry of Social Development office in Lincoln Rd.
The 25-year-old was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and conducting a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police were called to the ministry’s office at 12.40pm after a report of a firearm being discharged at another person.
Workers at a nearby business said they heard nothing, due to the noise of the factory, but of the staff saw several police cars. Employees at another office saw officers with guns outside.
Police said they took one person into custody soon after. There were no reports of injuries in relation to the incident.
Cordons were put in place around the Lincoln Rd area.
“Some police staff were armed as a precaution”.
Wairarapa area commander Inspector Nick Thom said he believed it was an isolated incident and there was no further risk to the public.
He commended MSD staff for their prompt actions in following their lockdown procedures, as this enabled police to provide a swift response.
Police were continuing their inquiries and would like to hear from anyone who may have information – either online at 105.police.govt.nz after clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105. Use the reference number 250505/1299.
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