Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Police have confirmed this evening the man tasered after threatening them with a samurai sword and allegedly biting an officer has died.
Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers said after he became unresponsive he was given medical treatment, "however, tragically the man was unable to be revived".
"Police are working to locate the man's next of kin, to inform them of the death and ensure appropriate support is in place for them."
She said until the next of kin notifications had been carried out, further details regarding the dead man would not be provided.
The incident began when a police officer was allegedly bitten on the hand by the man wielding the sword. He became unconscious after being tasered, after officers stopped a fleeing car this afternoon.
Police are still at the scene in Ōrere Point in the Auckland region following the incident.
In a statement, police said a driver failed to stop after an officer recognised the car - which was being sought as part of an ongoing investigation - in Great South Road in Papakura at 2.15pm today.
The driver failed to stop for police and was followed by the Eagle helicopter as they drove to Ōrere Point, where the car stopped on the beach at about 3.20pm.
While the driver of the car was taken into custody without incident, the male passenger threatened officers with a samurai sword and bit the hand of one officer.
Officers used a Taser, OC spray and a police dog unit, which allowed them to take the man into custody without any further injury to officers.
Orere Point resident Toby Jones saw the incident unfold.
"Two dudes got out and were fighting with the cops and got tasered and pepper sprayed," he told RNZ. "Then it was 'oh he's not doing too good, get a defib out, we need some oxygen.'
Jones said a short time later it became apparent the man had died.
"It's a small town, when all the police cars come in everyone goes down to the beach. That never happens, it's usually quite a cool and collected area."
Police said the officer who was bitten has been transported to a medical centre for treatment.
Cordons are in place around the area.
Rogers said a post mortem will be carried out in coming days and police will make inquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
The matter will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and WorkSafe.
