Nelson police shooting justified after officer feared for his life

Police shot Ford Hurinui during an armed stand-off nearly two years ago. Photo / File

Police were justified when they shot a man who approached them carrying a shotgun, an investigation has found.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority said a Nelson police officer had no other option but to shoot when wanted man Ford Hurinui pointed a shotgun at him.

Hurinui survived, but suffered heart and liver damage.

Hurinuiknew police were looking for him on a parole recall warrant a week before the shooting, in August 2015, the authority noted.

Police had tracked him to Motueka where he was spotted getting a lift from a friend.

When police tried to stop the car it sped off, reaching 100 km/h in a residential area, but it suffered engine trouble and the pursuit ended in a dead-end street. Police were close behind.

Hurinui immediately went to the boot and grabbed a shotgun. Two officers armed themselves and used car doors as shields. They instructed Hurinui to put down his weapon.

A 24-minute stand-off began and witnesses told the authority Hurinui initially held the shotgun barrel down. Officers warned they would shoot if he raised it.

Despite attempts to get Hurinui to give himself up, the wanted man loaded the shotgun and started to move towards an officer, who feared he could be shot at any moment.

One of the officers fired, striking Hurinui in the chest.

The officers administered first aid immediately.

Hurinui survived, but has damage to his heart and liver. He was convicted of two charges of using a firearm against police and intent to injure. He was jailed for five years and nine months.

Tasman District Commander Superintendent Mike Johnson said the police officer involved acted to keep himself and the community safe when Hurinui aimed a shotgun at him.

"The officer was confronted with a violent and challenged individual and was put in a situation where he had no option but to use his firearm.

"This is the last step which any officer wants to take, however they must respond appropriately to protect both themselves and the public," said Johnson.