Locals describe Waitarere Beach as a not so-cohesive little town - after a fatal shooting overnight

Police have confirmed a 60-year-old man's dead - and the injured survivors are a 43 year old woman, and two young men, aged 21 and 17.

Whanganui Chronicle reporter, Fin Ocheduszko Brown says people tell him the area has been changing, and many aren't shocked by the tragedy.

Locals say the region's been under a lot of stress and a trend of family violence has emerged.