A man was shot and killed by police north of Wellington, after he threatened an officer with a machete last night.
Superintendent Steve Kehoe told media on Sunday afternoon that using a firearm is "a last resort for police".
He said police were called to a domestic incident in Waikanae at about 11pm Saturday night, but the man had already left by the time they arrived.
At around 12:30am the man approached a police car on Mana Esplanade with the machete and threatened an officer.
"Subsequently, for their safety, Police at the scene responded with a firearm. Early indications are that the man was shot in the shoulder" Mr Kehoe said.
Ambulance staff were called and the man given first aid, but he died.
The shooting occured on the busy Mana Esplanade, metres from the Mana Police Community Base.
Superintendent Kehoe told media the police are speaking with the man’s family and are providing support to them.
"As well as recovering a machete, separately an air rifle was recovered from the vehicle driven by the man" he said.
He said the officers involved are being given support by Wellington Police District staff.
"Staff come to work every day to help people and make a difference in society.
"However, some incidents require police to act and respond appropriately to threats to them and the community."
A neighbour who witnessed the aftermath of the incident told Newshub said saw the man being put in the ambulance.
She said she was too upset to talk but said she was woken but sirens, dogs and loud noises - the neighbourhood was normally quiet and peaceful.
The shooting happened on a street at the back of her property.
Another neighbour said he was woken by flashing lights at the back of his property.
He also saw the man being put into an ambulance. He said the man wasn't moving.
A full scene examination will get underway Sunday morning. Police are speaking with his family.
Newshub.
