A man has been shot dead by police after he was seen holding a weapon to a woman's neck in the Wellington suburb of Wainuiomata this afternoon.
Police say the incident took place while officers were responding to a family harm incident on Coast Road at around 11.45am.
Police say that when officers arrived at the scene, they found a man behaving in an "agitated manner" while "holding a weapon to a woman's neck". It's understood they were in a relationship.
The area was cordoned off, and police attempted to negotiate with the man, however, "the man continued threatening harm to the woman".
Wellington district commander superintendent Corrie Parnell said the man's immediate family were present during the incident.
At 1pm police shot the man.
"Medical assistance was provided immediately however, he died at the scene," a police spokesperson said,
The woman involved was not injured and is being provided with support "as she is understandably shaken by what has occurred".
"Our thoughts are with his family at this extremely difficult time."
The officers involved will also be given support from wellness services and colleagues.
"We understand that fatal Police incidents are frightening events, and the local community will be shaken also.
"A fatal shooting is an outcome nobody wants and will have significant long-lasting impacts on the officers involved and their families."
Cordons will remain outside the property on Coast Road "for some time" while a scene examination takes place.
A number of investigations into the incident have also been launched, including a police critical incident investigation.
The shooting has also been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
The Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed they attended the scene but could not comment further on what had occurred.
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