A glass barrier was all that separated a gunman and a police staff member when the man opened fire at the Palmerston North police station.

The staff member did not suffer any injuries but was being supported by colleagues.

A 30-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested after allegedly shooting up the Church St police station and earlier the Highbury policing centre on Monday night.

1 of 5 Grant Matthew / Fairfax NZ Palmerston North police staff inspect the front of the Palmerston North police station following a shooting incident. 2 of 5 WARWICK SMITH/ FAIRFAX NZ The entrance to the Palmerston North police station is cordoned off. 3 of 5 Warwick Smith/ Fairfax NZ An armed police officer continues to guard the Highbury community policing centre. 4 of 5 Warwick Smith/ Fairfax NZ One of a number of bullet holes left in the Highbury community policing centre. 5 of 5 Warwick Smith/ Fairfax NZ The Highbury community policing centre was targeted first by the shooter.

He is to appear in the Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday morning, facing driving-related and firearms charges.

Police believe the man got out of his vehicle at the Highbury policing centre, and shot at the centre's windows.

At the Palmerston North police station the man entered the reception where a staff member was sitting behind a ceiling-to-floor barrier.

WARWICK SMITH/ FAIRFAX NZ The entrance to the Palmerston North police station was damaged.

He then fired a number of shots at the glass doors and barrier, police said.

Acting Central District commander, Inspector Peter Cooper said: "This was a very serious, dangerous, and isolated incident, and thanks to the swift and professional response from officers and the armed offenders squad the offender was apprehended without any further issues.

"I want to acknowledge the courage of all staff involved and I have nothing but praise for their actions."

Officers are analysing CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses.

The seized firearm, believed to be a shotgun, and the man's vehicle will be forensically examined.

"The safety and security of our staff is paramount and we are closely supporting our colleagues. I want to thank those members of the community who have expressed their support and concerns for our staff," Cooper said.

Police say there is no effect to the station and centre opening hours from this incident.

There was drama on Monday night when the armed offenders squad swooped on the alleged offender just outside the city.

"Thankfully no police staff or members of the public sustained any injuries from these incidents," police said in a statement.

Several interested residents were outside the Palmerston North police station after the shooting.

One resident went down to the scene after seeing the incident on Facebook.

When she arrived about 9.30pm, most of the police had left the scene, she said.

"There were people cruising around, looking up and down."

She said there had been waves of information filling social media.

