A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting in Porirua last week that prompted a lockdown at Porirua College and sent one person to hospital with moderate injuries. The arrest, announced today by police, brings a measure of reassurance to the Cannons Creek community following the unsettling incident. This arrest follows an investigation into the shooting that occurred on Dido Place on February 20th.
Police responded to reports of gunshots in Cannons Creek around 7:40 a.m. On Friday, February 20, 2026. The incident led to an immediate lockdown of Porirua College, with students and staff who had not yet arrived on campus instructed to stay home. The safety of students and staff was the immediate priority, and the lockdown was lifted once police determined the area was secure. The school, located at 64 Driver Crescent, Cannons Creek, serves students from Year 9 to 13, ages 12 to 18, and has an enrollment of 586 as of late 2025, according to the Wikipedia entry for Porirua College.
Charges Filed in Connection with the Shooting
The 22-year-old man is facing charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm with a firearm, and unlawfully possessing a firearm. He is scheduled to appear in Porirua District Court today, February 27, 2026, to face these charges. The charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offenses and the potential danger posed to the public.
Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins stated, “Police would like to reassure the public that they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.” This statement aims to alleviate concerns within the community and confirm that the immediate threat has been addressed. The investigation has focused on identifying and apprehending the individual responsible, and police believe they have successfully done so.
Porirua College and the Local Community
Porirua College, established in 1968, has undergone significant modernization, featuring fresh learning spaces. As of July 2022, the school’s demographics showed 60% of students identifying as Pacific Islanders and 29% as Māori, reflecting the diverse community it serves. The school also has an Equity Index of 532 as of 2025, placing it among schools with students facing significant socioeconomic barriers to achievement, according to Wikipedia. The lockdown and subsequent police investigation understandably caused anxiety among parents, students, and staff.
The incident occurred in Cannons Creek, a suburb of Porirua, New Zealand. Porirua College’s contact information is as follows: Street address: 64 Driver Crescent, Cannons Creek, Porirua 5024; Postal address: PO Box 53-023, Porirua 5243; Telephone: 04 237 5465; Email: [email protected], as detailed on the school’s website.
The Education Review Office (ERO) recognized Porirua College’s curriculum as culturally responsive in 2020, offering diverse learning opportunities. The school’s commitment to inclusivity and student well-being is a key aspect of its identity, and the recent incident underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
The next step in the legal process will be the man’s appearance in Porirua District Court. Further details regarding the case, including potential trial dates and evidence presented, will be determined by the court. Police have not released further information about the victim or the circumstances leading up to the shooting at this time.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this incident, resources are available. You can contact Victim Support on 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846) for confidential support and information. For mental health support, you can call or text 1737 anytime in New Zealand.
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