A man has died after being shot by police near Brixton this afternoon.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Police said they received a call about 3.40pm about a man in distress who had left a property in Brixton.
It was believed the man had a firearm.
Officers found the man's parked vehicle about 4.10pm on Mamaku Road, off SH3.
Central district commander Chris De Wattignar said the man pointed a firearm at officers as they approached his vehicle and they shot him.
"First aid was immediately administered, however he died at the scene a short time later," De Wattignar said.
He said the man was known to police.
"Our sympathies are with the man's family at this difficult time and we will ensure support is available to them," said De Wattignar.
"This was an incredibly dynamic situation for the officers involved, who are also being supported and will be stood down from duty for a period of time - as is standard in these situations.
"A fatal shooting is an outcome nobody wants, however if people present firearms to us or other members of the public we will respond accordingly with the appropriate degree of force necessary to ensure staff and public safety."
A Critical Incident Investigation into the shooting is now under way and the IPCA has been notified.
A guard will be at the scene overnight.