Armed police have used tear gas at a house in Napier to force a man to come out, but a search of the house afterwards failed to find him.
Officers were called about 4pm to what they said was a domestic incident in Hislop Avenue.
The Hawke's Bay Armed Offenders Squad was called in when officers were told there could be firearms at the scene.
While the house was contained, a number of guns were found nearby.
The police say they shouted to the man to come out, and when he didn't, they used tear gas.
They are still looking for a 49-year-old European man who normally lives at the house.