Police are still looking for those responsible.

Just before 10.30pm, a gunshot rang out on Ahuwhenua Crescent in Onehunga. The bullet left a fist-sized hole in someone's garage door.

Safety and wellbeing

In a statement to RNZ, Monte Cecilia Housing Trust chief executive Vicki Sykes said they were aware of the shooting.

"Understandably, both residents and staff are feeling shaken by this event" she said.

"Our primary concern at this stage is the safety and wellbeing of our community, so we are working closely with the police to provide them with all assistance possible for their investigation."

She said Monte Cecilia is grateful to the community and extends its thanks to everyone for their support and understanding.

Monte Cecilia is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Witness account

One woman said while on Wednesday night she was visiting family next door to the Monte Cecilia complex, she heard a loud bang.

"There was a massive bang like a massive shot.

"At first we thought it was just like metal or something but once we came outside, the neighbours came up and said there were men with rifles who had shot through the garage next door." She said that the incident was completely out of the ordinary for the area.

Gunshots continued

Half an hour after the Onehunga shooting there were more reports of gunfire.

This time shots were heard at a property on Haddon Street in Mangere East, about 10 minutes' drive from Monte Cecilia.

Multiple bullet holes could be seen in a window.

A nearby resident told RNZ "It's just out of the blue".

"Especially if you have kids, young kids, it does kind of worry, what's happening in the community."

Police investigating

Police forensic teams were busy at both locations.

It was not known if the two shootings were connected, but police urged anyone with information on either incident to get in touch.

Source

• RNZ

The report, Nga Tukunga Iho - The Things We Inherit, offers an annual assessment of the country's social progress - this year especially -

• children and youth
• housing
• crime and punishment
• social hazards
• work and incomes

Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson, The Salvation Army's Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit director, notes the new government has inherited a mix of successes and obstacles from its predecessor.

He emphasises the impact current policies will have on future generations and the responsibility to foster a better living environment for all New Zealanders.

While the report acknowledges significant progress has been made in recent years - reductions in child poverty, an increase in social housing units, sustained low unemployment - it also points to worrying trends.

These trends include the deepening cost-of-living crisis hitting lower-income households hardest. Rising rental costs are outpacing inflation and there are overall increases in food insecurity and financial hardship.

The State of the Nation report is unequivocal in its call for the new Government to take decisive action.

Hutson stresses the need to build upon the progress achieved and to adopt successful strategies to navigate the challenges ahead.

Concerns for Maori wellbeing

One of the report's key findings pertains to Maori wellbeing.

Persistent inequities affecting Maori in education, housing, employment and the criminal justice system need to be addressed, it says.

To achieve this, the report advocates for the importance of resourcing kaupapa Maori approaches to enhance well-being for whanau, hapu and iwi.

Children and Youth

The report's Children and Youth section has both positive and negative news.

On the plus side, it rates child poverty reduction as a significant achievement.

However, it also notes poverty's disproportionate impact on Pasifika, Maori, and children living with disabilities. It stresses the need for targeted efforts to meet Government poverty reduction targets.

The report also states that young people continue to tell of high levels of mental distress.

Housing

The report's Housing section paints a grim picture of unaffordability and homelessness. This is exacerbated by a decline in new housing consents and a surge in inward migration, it says.

The report calls for an urgent increase in public housing supply to address the growing backlog.

Crime and Punishment

In terms of Crime and Punishment, the report indicates an overall increase in reported and unreported crime and notes that violent offences are increasing.

Enhancing access to housing, employment, education and social services would be more effective in reducing crime than implementing harsher punishments, the report suggests.

Social Hazards

The Social Hazards section notes a positive decline in alcohol and drug consumption.

At the same time, it points to rising gambling losses and signs of increased financial hardship. One such indicator is the increasing number of calls for early KiwiSaver withdrawals on the grounds of financial hardship.

Work and Incomes

Under the heading Work and Incomes, the Salvation Army State of the Nation report highlights the continued high levels of employment but raises concerns about the rising unemployment and the persistent wage inequality affecting women and ethnic minorities.

It says high inflation is putting pressure particularly on low-income households. Furthermore, food insecurity for households with children has increased.

Source

• Supplied: The Salvation Army
• The full report is available from the Salvation Army.