The Police Armed Offenders Squad had been deployed into the area and were currently searching for the man who was believed to still be armed.
His identity was not yet known however he was described as possibly in his late 30s, up to 6ft tall with brown curly hair.
He was wearing a blue t-shirt with white writing and a brown zip up hoodie.
Police currently have the following cordons in place:
- SH1 intersections with SH12
- SH12 at Whakapirau
- SH12 at Hoanga
- SH12 at Mangapai Road
- SH12 at Ford Road
These cordons would remain in place for the time being and motorists were asked to avoid the areas.
The two police officers were unhurt in the incident and are currently being supported by their colleagues.
Local resident Diana Moore told the Herald she had been up since 3am after being woken by the noise of helicopters.
"They've just been searching the whole time, they haven't stopped. They've been circling constantly."
After starting over Maungaturoto's main street, Moore said the helicopters were now flying low nearby over the country club on Bickerstaffe Rd.
"We don't get helicopters up here so it's quite unusual," Moore said.
She wasn't feeling too nervous thanks to the huge police presence in the area, but said she had been "a bit on guard" this morning.
"Hopefully [police] have got it all under control."
-Â NZ Herald
NZME.
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