New Zealand's Director-General of Health has paid tribute to fallen police officer Constable Matthew Hunt.
Const Hunt, 28, was shot dead on Friday in the west Auckland suburb of Massey. Another officer and a member of the public were seriously injured in what has been called a quickly unfolding incident.
Before providing an update on New Zealand's COVID-19 case numbers on Saturday, Dr Ashley Bloomfield marked his sadness at hearing of the police officer's death.
"We are all devastated by the loss of a young man so dedicated, as are all of our police force, to serving his community," the Director-General said.
"Our thoughts are with his whanau, his friends and his police family today and in coming days. We stand with you as you grieve."
He's the latest public figure to acknowledge the tragic killing. Following confirmation of the death on Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Police Minister Stuart Nash both paid their respects.
"This is devastating news. Our police officers work hard everyday to keep us and our communities safe. To lose a Police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someone’s loved one and friend. My condolences go to them and to their Police whanau," said Ardern.
Hunt began with police as a member of Wing 312 in October 2017. He has worked on the frontline in Orewa, Helensville and most recently in the Waitemata Road Policing Team.
"Matthew was a person of great integrity. His closest friends were like his brothers and sisters and they along with his family are absolutely heartbroken by what has happened," a statement from his family says.
"He was passionate about sport and his physical fitness and was thrilled to enjoy the recent Blues game at Eden Park with his mates."
The unfolding incident began at 10:30am on Friday when police identified a "vehicle of interest" and tried to initiate a traffic stop. However, despite lights and sirens being activated, officers lost sight of the car.
A short time later, the car was spotted crashed into another vehicle on Reynella Dr, where police say a member of the public "received serious injuries".
"Police approached the vehicle and a man has got out of the vehicle armed with a long-barrelled firearm," Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said.
"The offender has then fired multiple shots at the two police officers at the scene. Both officers have been shot and tragically, one of our officers has been killed."
The offender fled the scene in a second vehicle, which was later located abandoned at a nearby location.
On Friday evening, Coster said two persons of interest were being spoken to. Later that night, it was announced that a 24-year-old man had been arrested.
He appeared in the Waitakere District Court on Saturday charged with murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving causing injury. He has been granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody until an appearance in the Auckland High Court on July 8.
Police are currently seeking Natalie Bracken who is wanted in relation to the shooting.
"The 30-year-old has a warrant to arrest on driving charges and is also wanted to arrest as an accessory after the fact to the Murder of Constable Matthew Hunt," said Detective Superintendent Dave Lynch on Saturday morning.
"Police have no information to suggest that Ms Bracken is in possession of a firearm but she does have previous history for a possession of a knife."
She is also known to associate with gang-affiliated individuals.
Anyone who sees her should ring 111 while information about her whereabouts can be provided to police on 09 839 0734 or to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
A scene examination continues at Reynella Dr, while the injured officer and member of the public are in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital. Their identities are also suppressed.
