The incident happened around 11.30pm on Friday, in Sullivan Road, Horsham Downs, police said.

A teenager received a bullet to the face in an incident north of Hamilton.

The 17-year-old boy was a passenger in a vehicle when the incident happened - around 11.30pm on Friday, police said.

He "was injured by a firearm" on Sullivan Road in Horsham Downs, a police statement said, and "received a gunshot wound to the face".

The teenager was taken to Waikato Hospital and was in a stable condition on Monday.

"Police are currently working to understand the circumstances of the incident and would like to speak to anyone who may have information about what occurred," a statement said.

Anyone who saw it happen or knows who might be involved is asked to ring Hamilton Police on (07) 858 6200 and mention Operation Duckbill.

Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.