Community's sole police officer assaulted

Constable Paul Gurney faced several physical threats and his police car sustained damage. Photo / File

The community of Haast's sole police officer was assaulted and his car damaged before he was able to taser a man.

Constable Paul Gurney was called to a domestic incident about 8.20pm yesterday in an area without cellphone coverage. The nearest police back-up was about one-and-a-half hours away.

The police officer contacted someone who knew the alleged offender who agreed to come and assist.

The local volunteer fire service was also rallied.

Constable Gurney faced several physical threats and his police car sustained damage before he was able to subdue the man with the use of a Taser.

The member of the public then assisted him to handcuff the man.

Acting West Coast Area Commander Inspector Iain McKenzie said the response from the community in assisting the officer was outstanding.

"Constable Gurney has significant experience as a sole charge officer in remote communities so he certainly knows how to manage these situations."

"He made a good call in ensuring he had back-up before approaching the offender.

"The outcome yesterday was a credit to everyone involved and I can't thank those community members enough for their response," he said.

Constable Gurney recently returned to the West Coast after a period as the sole officer at New Zealand's most remote police outpost in the Chatham Islands.

A 53-year-old Haast man will appear in the Greymouth District Court today facing assault and intentional damage charges.