No one was injured during the incident.
Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Sarah Stewart said she commended the work of staff involved in the event.
"Staff come to work every day to keep people in New Zealand safe and last night their own safety was put at risk.
"Fortunately, no one was injured, and staff were able to carry out their necessary work to resolve the event and can reassure the community that police will work to resolve such incidents safely."
The man has been charged with recklessly discharging a firearm, and other charges are being considered.
He will appear in Levin District Court in due course.
As this matter is before the courts, police were unable to make further comment.