A man has died after being shot by police on a rural road in Wainuiomata.
Emergency services were called to a suspected family harm incident outside a Coast Rd property just before midday.
Police said a man had threatened a woman with a weapon.
"On arrival, a man behaving in an agitated manner was seen holding a weapon to a woman's neck," a police spokesperson said.
The road was then cordoned off while police officers negotiated with him, the spokesperson said. However, the man continued threatening harm to the woman and was shot at about 1pm.
Medical assistance was provided immediately however he died at the scene.
The woman who was threatened has not been injured and police will be "providing support as she is understandably shaken by what has occured", the spokesperson said.
Speaking to the media later on Thursday afternoon, Wellington District Commander Supt Corrie Parnell said the pair were believed to have been in a relationship.
He said the man was "highly agitated" but would not say what the weapon was, although confirmed it wasn't a gun.
"Cordons will remain outside the property on Coast Rd for some time, with a scene examination underway," the police spokesperson said.
There will be a heightened police presence in the area to provide reassurance, said the spokesperson.
Several probes are underway, including a police critical incident investigation.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.
