Domestic violence incident leads to armed standoff in Waikato

31 December 2010

Waikato Police are reiterating advice to people feeling pressured over the holiday period to taker time out or seek advice following an armed standoff at an isolated rural location overnight.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall of the Hamilton CIB said Police were called to a property between Kawhia and Taharoa about 11pm in relation to a family violence incident that resulted in a man arming himself with a firearm.

"A number of shots were fired and staff from Kawhia, Otorohanga and Hamilton established cordons in the area to await the arrival of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad who were flown in by helicopter.

"The 57-year-old man was taken into custody without further incident and appeared in the Hamilton District Court today charged with male assaults female and reckless discharging of a firearm, he was remanded in custody to reappear on 06 January."

Mr Keall said though this incident was the most serious, Waikato Police attended 25 other family violence calls last night, all of which were traumatic for those involved.

"Over the holiday period, with people living on top of each other things can quickly overwhelm you and you many need to take time out.

"If that doesn't work consider seeking help from the number of agencies dedicated to assist those effected by family violence, no-one wants to see a family situation deteriorate to the extent of last night and it's OK to seek help."

Mr Keall said the most important thing was that if you have any fears for your own or your children's safety, contact the Police by dailing 111 immediately.
Agencies that can assist people under stress in the Waikato include;
24 hr Police Emergency 111
Women's Refuge Hamilton (07) 8551569
Womens Refuge Thames (07) 8683132
Womens Refuge Waitomo (07) 8785081
Womens Refuge Tauranga (07) 5411911
24 hr Victim Support 0800 842 846
24 hr Life Line – Waikato (07) 8380719
24 hr Youth Line 0800 376 6333
24 hr Crisis Team (Mental Health) 0800 505 050
Family Violence. It’s Not OK (9am-11pm) 0800 456 450
Or visit: www.areyouok.org.nz

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