A report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that police were justified in using force during the arrest of a youth in Tokoroa.

On May 29, 2022, police arrested a youth who failed to stop when signalled to do so.

At about 5pm, a 16-year-old, was driving a car north through Tokoroa.

Due to the poor condition of the vehicle, a police officer signalled for the youth to stop for a roadside vehicle inspection.

The youth did not stop immediately and drove about 1.4km before stopping at the end of a cul-de-sac, states the IPCA.

Officers approached the teen, who was not cooperative, and arrested him for failing to stop his vehicle.

"Mr X resisted arrest and an officer tried to pull Mr X out of the vehicle by grabbing his clothing. Mr X then appeared to be reaching for something, a long cylinder item, under the front of his clothing.

"The officer was unsure what the item was and in fearing it was a weapon, he used two, low-force, distraction punches to the face of Mr X, then pulled him to the ground where he was handcuffed."

The item was found to be a glass bong that is used to smoke cannabis.

The youth was taken to the Tokoroa Police Station where he underwent the youth process for three charges.

A family member of the teen complained to the authority, saying they were beaten by police.

"We found that the initial force used in Mr X's arrest was justified due to his resistance when being arrested. It was then reasonable for officers to consider the presence of a weapon, which led one officer to deliver two low-force punches," says authority chair Judge Colin Doherty.

"We do not usually find it reasonable that officers punch a person in the face, in this case a youth. However, this circumstance where the officer had a reasonable belief Mr X was reaching for a weapon, I consider the two restrained punches were justified."

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says police accept the findings of the IPCA report.

"We trust our officers to make the best decisions possible at the time to ensure people's safety and wellbeing, and routinely look at what lessons can be learned," says District Commander Anderson.

"We accept and acknowledge these findings."