The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a Coromandel police officer was justified in arming himself and in firing shots in self-defence.

The IPCA have released a report that found it was reasonable for an officer to fire shots at a driver, who repeatedly drove towards and reversed at him in the Coromandel in August 2017.

Waikato District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird says this was a fast and evolving situation in which the officer made judgement calls that were supported by the IPCA.

The whole incident unfolded in in Hikuai Settlement Road, near Tairua, on the night of August 28, 2017.

Shortly before 10pm, a police officer identified two cars – one of which was believed to have been involved in a burglary at Cooks Beach, and one which had been stolen in that burglary.

One of the cars stopped when signalled to do so by the officer, Bruce said at the time of the incident.

'As the officer was speaking to the occupant of that car, the second car drove past, then reversed at speed towards the police officer.

'The officer took cover behind his police car, however, the offending driver rammed the police car several times.”

Fearing for his safety, the officer fired at the offending driver's car, hitting the rear window.

The occupant of the first car then got into the second car and both offenders fled.

The offenders were arrested a couple of days later and charged with numerous offences including burglary and aggravated assault.

'In their report, the IPCA have reflected the challenging situations officers are put in when protecting the community,” says Bruce.

'Our officers' safety is paramount and we want all our officers to be safe while they are doing their jobs.

'The officer involved was extremely courageous and made all the appropriate notifications while this incident was unfolding,” says Bruce.

'This was a very traumatic experience for the staff concerned and their colleagues, particularly in Eastern Waikato, who we continue to support.”

The report also found the officer should have put on ballistic body armour when arming himself as per police policy.

All recommendations outlined in the report have been actioned.