Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
An armed man has been shot by police after threatening a family in Waikato.
In a statement, police said the incident began around 12.30pm on Thursday when officers attempted to stop a vehicle on Ulster Street in Hamilton.
The driver was a person of interest and presented a firearm at police before fleeing the scene.
Police said the driver was driving erratically at high speeds before stealing another vehicle and fleeing again.
"Police initiated a pursuit and deployed road spikes in an effort to stop the vehicle, however this was not successful," the statement said.
"A short time later the vehicle crashed on a rural road in the Matamata-Piako area."
Police said the person then entered a person's home.
When officers arrived, the armed man was threatening a parent and their child.
"After being confronted by police, the man was shot and initially critically injured.
"Officers immediately provided medical attention, however he died a short time later."
Police said no-one else was injured.
People in the area can expect to see a large police presence in the coming days as a number of scene examinations take place to work out what happened.
"Police will also undertake a formal identification process in relation to the deceased and his family will be provided with support.
"The parent and child are being supported by Victim Support and local police, along with other members of the public who were directly affected.
"Today's events will also have a huge impact on the officers involved, and we will be providing them with ongoing support."
Police said the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified and a Critical Incident Investigation was underway.
