Bay Of Plenty Siege

A short time ago, the gunman’s mother was seen in a big hug and giving a thumbs-up to a friend. That was followed by confirmation thereafter that the gunman had given himself up to police.

The siege ended shortly after a spokesperson for the family hit out at police, in a statement to media, over the police handling of the incident.

In a statement police say the individual will be given a medical check and will be taken to Whakatane police station.

Two of the officers injured in yesterday's shooting have been treated for their injuries and have returned home.

The most seriously wounded police officer is in Waikato Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Another officer that was shot in the hand was also undergoing treatment at the same hospital.

How things unfolded

10.45am: Police hear three shots in the Otakiri area in the Bay of Plenty during an operation using a plane.

11.30am: Police cordon off a rural property on Onepu Springs Rd, Kawerau after another shot is fired at the plane, which is believed to have been searching for cannabis crops.

1pm: The Armed Offenders Squad arrive in Kawerau after being called out from Rotorua.

3.45pm: Police confirm three officers have been shot. A large police operation is underway at the property, where the gunman is believed to be holed up.

4.15pm: Two Rotorua officers arrive at Whakatane Hospital. A third officer is airlifted to Rotorua Hospital.

5.40pm: Police confirm a fourth officer has been shot.

6pm: Police hold a media briefing at National Headquarters in Wellington confirming they are only looking for one shooter.

7pm: Police announce a defence helicopter has been deployed to the scene along with three light armoured vehicles.

7.25pm: Police say a 3 mile radius no-fly zone has been established around the area.

6:56am: Daylight has arrived at the siege scene and a large police presence is returning the Onepu Springs Road scene. Police have tweeted that the situation remains "unchanged".