A police officer has been shot at in Northland and the offender is still at large.
"At around 4:13am this morning a car has pulled out in front of a Police vehicle and stopped in the middle of the road on State Highway 11 near the Puketona Junction with State Highway 10," a statement from police said on Tuesday morning.
"Before the officer could get out of the patrol car, two males have exited their vehicle and have both presented firearms. The officer has immediately retreated but one shot was fired at the vehicle which has damaged the windscreen."
The officer was not harmed and quickly left the scene to call for backup. A team is now working to identify and locate the vehicle and persons involved "in this extremely serious incident".
Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said in a statement that it was a huge relief that the officer was not injured "but this incident highlights the unpredictability and danger of policing".
"It is completely unacceptable that someone would shoot at a Police officer in this way and we are very lucky that they were not seriously injured or worse," Hill said.
"We will be making every effort to locate these offenders and hold them to account."
Hill said people need to remember that when officers head to work, they leave behind their families.
"They do this to keep our communities safe and the last thing they deserve is to be shot at."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kerikeri police on 105. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said early on Tuesday morning that "due to a police issue a section of #SH11, between Puketona Jctn (SH10) and Haruru, is currently closed."
But it reopened at 8:20am.
