Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Three men have been arrested after killing a family dog during a violent home invasion in Kaipara.
Police said one person required surgery after armed perpetrators ransacked an Oruawharo property and assaulted its occupants on Friday morning.
A pet dog was also killed before the men fled the home.
Detective Senior Sergeant of Waitematā CIB, Mike Williams, said the trio were arrested in the Bay of Plenty on Sunday after a search which spanned across the upper North Island.
"Early on we had information about persons and vehicles of interest in the investigation travelling into the Rotorua area and onto further locations in the Bay of Plenty."
Williams said police cleared an address in Kawerau, after one vehicle was seen on Sewell Street.
"Armed Police cordoned off the property, before arresting two men nearby who had left the address in a vehicle prior to police arrival."
"The third suspect was located in a vehicle in the car park of a supermarket in Kawerau, and he too was arrested."
He said multiple police districts worked around the clock to identify, locate, and arrest the men.
"We acknowledge the support from our colleagues in the Northland, Waitematā and Bay of Plenty districts in this investigation.
"It's had a profound impact on the victims, one of which has only recently been discharged from hospital after surgery."
The three men aged 27, 29 and 35 will appear in Whakatāne District court today charged with aggravated burglary, commission of a crime with a firearm, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and intentional damage.
Williams said police had not ruled out further arrests and charges.
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