Auckland police

RNZ Pacific correspondent Kalafi Moala said Vea said they were at level 21 of the building where the shooting was taking place, about six levels away from the gunman, when they were instructed to leave.

"We ran down to level 15 before we were told to return to level 16 because the shooter was heading our way," he said.

And while they moved to level 16, he heard more gunshots.

Vea said he was thankful that the NZ Police were quick to send the chopper which helped save them, Moala said.

The social media faux pas occurred on October 9, when Waitemata Police announced they were searching for a young woman.

"Waitemata Police are currently searching for 22-year-old Tupou Schick who is wanted to arrest for Breaching his Bail conditions," the post read.

"Schick is described as a female Pacific Islander, 170cm tall, fat build.

She has strong links to Birkdale on the North Shore."

But the mistakes were picked up by readers who said it was "harsh" and began sharing the post.