A man has been killed and a police officer shot and injured following a reported burglary in the western Waikato in the early hours of this morning.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said police were called at about 2.30am to a report of a burglary at a commercial property in the Waitomo District.
It is inland from Marokopa, where fugitive Tom Phillips is believed to have been hiding with his three children.
"During the response, a man and a police officer were shot. The man was provided immediate first aid, however died at the scene."
The officer was taken to hospital where he remained in a serious condition.
Chambers said a "significant police operation" was underway and that Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers was in Waikato to speak to media as soon as possible.
1News footage from the scene showed a heavy police presence this morning. (Source: 1News)
Chambers was returning to New Zealand today. He was in Australia for the funerals of the slain Victoria police officers.
In a message to staff, Chambers said a second person had been taken into custody.
A 1News camera operator said there is a cordon extending for around 2km in each direction on part of Te Anga Rd.
Waitomo District Council said this road block was "likely to be place for a couple of days".
Some locals said there had been unusual traffic overnight, and multiple helicopters overhead.
The Police Eagle helicopter was in the area for a short time, but now appeared to have returned to Auckland.
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