"Porirua incident - update"

Police can now confirm the man they have been negotiating with at an address in Kokiri Crescent has been found dead at the scene.

Police deployed a number of tactical options overnight in order to gain access to the house, including gas canisters, however no shots were fired by Police. No Police staff were injured during today’s operation.

Wellington District Commander Superintendent Sam Hoyle said while the man was yet to be formally identified, he was believed to be Pita Tekira, 29 years old.

“Despite all our efforts to negotiate with Mr Tekira to seek a safe end to the incident, officers this morning found him dead at the scene.

This is certainly not the outcome that anyone wanted, and our thoughts are now with his whanau as we continue to investigate the circumstances of his death.”

Mr Hoyle also thanked the Porirua community and especially the residents of Kokiri Crescent who had been directly affected by the ongoing Police operation.

“We very much appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while police worked to resolve this dangerous situation safely, especially those residents who were unable to return to their homes overnight.

Our thanks also goes to Te Horouta Marae which provided food and accommodation to those residents.”

Mr Hoyle said Police expected the cordons in the area to be lifted once all the necessary scene examinations had taken place.

“However there will continue to be a number of police staff in the area over the coming days while we continue our inquiries into this incident.”

The officer injured after jumping to safety from a second story window during the original incident continues to remain in a stable condition in hospital and is receiving medical treatment.

He and his family are also being supported by his Police colleagues.

“We also greatly appreciate the many messages of support that we have received for the injured officer and also for Police dog Gazza who died doing his duty,” Mr Hoyle said.

We ask media to respect the privacy of our officers who have made it clear that they do not wish to be approached at this time.

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