Mr Lamb and Gage arrived and went inside where they found Christopher Graeme Smith, 35, inside a locked bedroom.
Smith coughed to disguise cocking his rifle before Mr Lamb entered.
The gunman fired two shots, with one narrowly missing Mr Lamb's head, the other smashing into his jaw. As he fell, Mr Lamb called out to alert his colleagues.
Smith cocked his gun again and as he went to shoot Mr Lamb again, Gage's training kicked in and he jumped into the line of fire.
"I can still feel Gage going over me. Without a doubt, his actions on the day saved my life,'' Mr Lamb said.
Smith fired again and hit Constable Mitch Alatalo.
Mr Lamb dragged Gage, still on his lead, outside the house. It wasn't until he was outside that he realised Gage was dead.
That's when he drove himself to hospital and radioed police comms: "Delta One to Comms...I've got a gunshot wound to the head... can you tell my boss that my dog is dead please.''
Mr Lamb, 53, remembered only a flash of the gun and seeing Smith point it at his head before Gage jumped over him and took the second shot.
The 6-year-old German shepherd was photographed lying dead in the middle of Buccleugh St in an unforgettable image.
Smith was jailed for 14 years for the attempted murder of a police dog handler, wounding of another officer and killing Gage.
Veteran dog handler Mr Lamb today paid tribute to "a pretty exceptional police dog - the best I've ever had''.
"He was spectacular. He did what he was trained to do. If it hadn't hit him, it would've hit me, and I definitely wouldn't be standing here today. He stepped up on the day.''
Mr Lamb described his life saviour as a strong-willed alpha dog who "thought he was entitled to an opinion''.
"He loved me to bits, but it made it difficult around other people. His need to protect me was overwhelming. He wouldn't let my wife or family near me if he was around.
"The thing I regret most about that day, even though it was out of my control due to my injuries, was having to leave him on his own after he had laid down his life for me.
"Today's presentation is not just recognising Gage's sacrifice: it's also about honouring his life and courage. I'll forever be indebted to him.''
Acting Police Commissioner Viv Rickard said the award acknowledged the 23 police dogs killed on duty, and the fact they're a "real important tool'' for police.
Gage has now joined esteemed canine company, with just 22 other animals worldwide having been awarded the medal.
He's the second New Zealand dog to join the ranks, after George, a tiny jack russell terrier, received the award posthumously in 2009 for saving five children when two pit bull terriers set upon them in Manaia, Taranaki.
Jan McLoughlin, Director-General of veterinary charity PDSA, said Gage's act of bravery epitomised "the unique bond between man and dog, which should never be underestimated''.
Governor-General Lieuntenant General Sir Jerry Mataparae presented the medal, recognised as the animals' version of the George Cross - the highest honour for civilian bravery.
"In coming to the aid of his seriously injured handler, Gage's actions typified an unwavering bond that generates an unselfish dedication to service and courage to a mate."
