UPDATE 5.55pm: The man shot by police after a bank robbery fired at officers before being killed by them.

District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor says he was believed to be on P.

He says police received a call at 9am with reports a man who had been using methamphetamine, had discharged a firearm at another family member near Kawerau.

While police were investigating the family harm incident the same offender entered the Kawerau First Credit Union armed with a sawn-off shotgun and demanded money.

Police located the vehicle he was in shortly afterwards and gave chase to try and stop him.

"At about 10.20am the vehicle made a stop at State Highway 30," says Andy.

"Armed officers went forward. The offender presented a firearm at them and discharged a shot.

"Officers returned fire."

"It's a tragic event that no police officer wishes to deal with.

"When we use firearms it is not taken lightly."

EARLIER:

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor is holding a media conference following the fatal shooting of a man in Kawerau today.

Police says immediate first aid was provided, but the man died.

The incident unfolded after police were made aware of both a bank robbery in Kawerau and a family harm incident around 9am, where the offender was reported to be armed.

Police subsequently located a vehicle believed to be involved and attempted to stop it.

"The driver fled from Police but was eventually stopped on State Highway 30 around 10:20am,” say police.

"He was shot by police.

"A number of investigations are now underway and Police will be at the scene for some time, with cordons and diversions in place.

"Police are in contact with the man's family but will not be releasing any further details about the man's identity at this early stage."

The IPCA has been notified.

EARLIER:

A man has been shot by Police following a series of incidents in Kawerau this morning.

Police were made aware of both a bank robbery in Kawerau and a family harm incident around 9am, where the offender was reported to be armed.

Police subsequently located a vehicle believed to be involved and attempted to stop it, says Detective Inspector Mark Loper.

"The driver fled from Police but was eventually stopped on State Highway 30 around 10:20am.

"He was shot by police and first aid was immediately given.

"The incident is still in its early stages and police are working to build a full picture of the events of this morning.

"More information will be released as details become available."