Family of man shot dead by NZ police say he was wielding a ‘blunt oriental knife’, not machete

The family of the man shot dead by police two weeks ago north of Auckland say he was hit by four bullets, including one in his back, but a total of 12 shots were fired.

Police claim 29-year-old Jerrim Toms approached officers wielding a machete when he was shot at close range in Puhoi.

But his family say it was only a "blunt ornamental knife".

They're questioning why so many shots were fired and whether he was as close as police claim, given eight of their shots missed.

Mr Toms was hit in his left hand, twice in his chest and in his lower back.

There are now three separate investigations into the shooting.

Police say they're updating the family regularly.