An armed man who police say was shot after he opened fire on officers has died.
Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said the offender fired at police on at least seven occasions and may have shot at the public as well.
He was in his mid-20s, and was on active charges relating to drugs and violence.
Supt Hassan told media it was an "inexcusable act of violence" and it is incredibly fortunate no police were injured.
At 10am on Friday morning, the man allegedly attempted to rob a Henderson Valley petrol station where police say a "firearm has been discharged".
"However there are no reports of any injuries at the petrol station," said Supt Hassan.
Supt Hassan said police "immediately" responded and tracked the man's vehicle, a black BMW.
Just after 10:33am, the vehicle returned to the scene and a firearm was presented at police staff.
Police say the man then drove away and proceeded to fire at them near the intersection of Forrest Hill Road and Pine Avenue. The Police Eagle Helicopter tracked the man's driving around the Henderson area where he was seen acting erratically and firing on multiple occasions at police staff.
"He has done this with absolutely zero regard for the safety of Police staff or members of the public going about their business nearby," Supt Hassan said.
"Our investigation is still working at pace to piece together what happened this morning, but what we know so far is that this offender fired at police on at least seven occasions.
"There may have also been occasions where the man discharged his firearm towards members of the public."
Supt Hassan said police fired back at the offender on more than one occasion.
The man then drove to the Henderson police station where he exited his vehicle holding a firearm and was "challenged by armed police".
On his arrival the building was plunged into lockdown.
"Members of the Armed Offenders Squad approached the man and challenged him to put down his firearm," Supt Hassan said,
"He continued to brandish it and at this point police have shot the man."
First aid was immediately provided to the man and he was transported to Auckland Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
"What unfolded today was an inexcusable act of violence towards police staff and members of the public," Supt Hassan said.
"I am very proud of the bravery, courage, and tenacity all of our staff who responded to this incident today considering the significant danger this offender posed."
No police staff or members of the public has suffered any serious injuries from his actions.
One staff member has suffered minor injuries after they were forced to take evasive action when they were fired at inside their vehicle, Supt Hassan said.
There are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation. As standard procedure the Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified, along with WorkSafe.
Anyone who witnessed any of these incidents, who has not spoken to Police yet is asked to contact the Police 105 line quoting file number 230317/3304.
Supt Hassan told media during the press conference the attack on officers was tough, especially considering the tragic death of 28-year-old Constable Matthew Hunt who was shot and killed in west Auckland.
"So, of course, it's really tough… it's tough on police officers right across the country," she said.
"But what I will say is our people are incredibly professional, incredibly well trained and incredibly resilient and they are trained to respond to incidents like this."
Supt Hassan said the officers involved in Friday's events are doing okay and have been given some time to process what has happened. Welfare and support services are also in place for officers who need them.
Witness accounts
Sharan Kaur was visiting Henderson at the time of the incident and told Newshub the gunshots were "really loud".
"It was really scary," Kaur said.
She was in a nearby building at the time and told Newshub "we were in a lockdown and we were told just to stay inside until further notice".
Another woman told Newshub the ordeal unfolded "really fast" and she's been left startled by what she saw.
Front office manager at Henderson's Quest Hotel Suresh, told Newshub he heard the police Eagle helicopter circling around the area.
"The roads were being blocked, the police were armed."
Suresh locked the door to the hotel until the operation ended.
Police are urging the public to avoid the area.
It comes as Henderson locals reported hearing gunshots near the suburb's police station on Friday morning.
Footage captured by Newshub shows three police vehicles blocking the entrance and exits of the petrol station where the offender allegdly opened fire.
Police emergency tape can be seen wrapped around the entire perimeter of the Henderson Gull on the corner of Henderson Valley Rd and Forest Hill Rd.
Footage also shows an Armourguard security vehicle parked outside the Gull with police staff surrounding the entrance into the service station.
