Police said residents could expect to see a continued police presence in the coming days.
Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
A woman was killed and a man has been critical wounded after being shot by police at a Kainga Ora home in Christchurch.
Police were called to a house in Clyde Road, Bryndwr about 11pm on Wednesday after receiving a report of a man armed with a knife threatened himself and his partner.
Officers arrived at the address a short time later and a woman ran from the house, followed by a man armed with a knife, police said in a statement.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said officers shot the man, believing the woman to be at risk of imminent serious harm, critically injuring him.
The woman subsequently picked up the knife and threatened police, he said.
The scene on Thursday morning.
Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
Officers appealed for her to put the weapon down, but she instead moved forward, and was fatally shot.
Hill said immediate medical assistance was provided to the woman but she died shortly afterwards.
The injured man was still in a critical condition in hospital on Thursday morning.
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Scene guards were in place at the Clyde Road property, and residents could expect to see a continued police presence in the coming days and part of the road would be closed.
“We have spoken to next of kin, and our thoughts are with the family of those involved at this incredibly difficult time,” Hill said.
Kainga Ora has confirmed to RNZ the fatal shooting was at one of its properties.
It said its thoughts werewith all those affected.
Kainga Ora’s regional director. Liz Krause, said it will be reaching out to nearby tenants to see if they need more support over the coming days.
Police at Clyde Road in Bryndwr.
Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
A investigation was under way and the shooting would also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) as is standard, police said.
Police had cordoned off a section of Clyde Road.
An RNZ reporter on the scene says two police cars remained at the cordon on Thursday morning.
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