Police at the scene of a fatal dog attack in Moerewa.
Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

A Northland woman has been attacked and killed by a dog this afternoon.

A family member at the scene in the town of Moerewa has told RNZ his aunt has been killed.

He said the woman had been hanging out washing when a dog came onto the property and attacked her.

It is understood two other people were injured. Ambulances were seen leaving the property and there are still three police cars there.

It is believed the dog was shot by a neighbour before officers arrived.

Distraught family members are gathered outside the house.

Police acting Senior Sergeant James Calvert said the victim was an elderly woman.

Police were alerted to the attack about 4.40pm, he said.

“Upon arrival, a person was located deceased. A scene examination is currently being undertaken…

“We can confirm there is no risk to the public in relation to this incident.”

He confirmed the dog had been killed.

The two injured people were taken to Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

Last year, Northland man Neville Thomson was attacked by dogs he was temporarily looking after.

The attack happened on Thomson’s property in Pānguru.

At the time, Tamatekapua Thomson said his father adored animals.

“He had pet magpies over the years, Clydesdales, we had pet pigs, chickens, and they were all our pets. We looked after them. He loved animals.”

Thomson said his father’s generosity to a friend tragically backfired.

“His door was always open to anyone regardless of who you were, what you did. He didn’t care. He cared about what was looking at him, what you showed him, what you showed to him. If you needed help, he was there.”