A 30-year-old man has been charged after a police dog was shot in Northland last week.
Authorities were called to the small township of Tangowahine on December 1 after a man shot a police dog, before being shot in response by police officers.
Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill confirmed on Thursday that charges have been filed in relation to the incident.
"A 30-year-old male will face charges of using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, injuring a police dog, unlawful possession of a pistol and unlawful possession of ammunition."
The man also faces a number of other charges on unrelated matters.
Supt Hill said Thursday's court proceedings would be administrative, as the man is unable to appear in person.
The police dog and alleged gunman were both critically injured and airlifted to Auckland, where they have been receiving treatment since.
Police were called to the Northland town last Tuesday around 9:15am after a member of the public called to report a "suspicious person".
At the same time, an off-duty police officer recognised the man, who had a warrant for his arrest on firearms and cannabis charges.
Two armed police units responded, however the man fled before turning and firing shots at the police dog.
"The officer returned fire and subsequently the offender was shot three times," Supt Hill said at the time. "Police staff immediately provided first-aid to the man and called for assistance."
