An investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority of New Zealand agrees with an assessment by the police that a Bay of Plenty officer used 'excessive force” on a mentally unwell man in custody.

However, the officer will not face criminal charges.

Police found that as well as using 'unnecessary and excessive force” whilst transporting the man in question between cells the officer did not complete a report which documented the level of force used in doing so.

The officer also failed to organise medical attention for the detained man after he received a head injury whilst in custody.

The IPCA agrees with the outcome that no criminal charges be laid and instead the matter is said to be 'being dealt with via an employment pathway”.'

When asked by SunLive police could not offer any specifics on where in the Bay of Plenty this incident took place or what the employment pathway process might entail.

"Police acknowledges the IPCA summary released in relation to force used against a man in Police custody in the Bay of Plenty," says a police spokesperson.

"As an employment process is ongoing police is unable to respond to any queries at this time."