Police shootout in West Auckland

The man shot last night is understood to have lived in this caravan down a right-of-way. Photo / Natalie Slade

Police have shot a man in the West Auckland suburb of New Lynn after the taser they used on him was "ineffective".

Police went to the address on Nikau street at about 6pm to look for a 38-year-old man in connection with an alleged arson. Several of the officers were armed.

The 38-year-old man was found in a caravan at the back of the property and confronted police. A brief altercation took place resulting in a taser being used.

The man then pulled out a gun which led to two officers discharging their weapons.

Waitemata police district commander Superintendent Bill Searle told a press conference that the taser was "ineffective".

The man was in a stable condition in hospital, he said.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority would be investigating and police would be conducting their own inquiries.

The officers were shaken by their experience, according to Mr Searle.

Nikau street resident Seta Luaki, 13, said he heard "heaps" of explosions that he thought were fireworks.

Neighbours said the area was usually very quiet.

The man has been arrested for assault and a police guard is deployed at the hospital.

Police will remain at the cordoned scene overnight.

- NZPA