Police Taser machete-wielding man

File photo / NZ Herald

A machete-wielding man was shot with a Taser stun gun after threatening police in Lower Hutt last night.

Police were called to a flat in suburban Moera after a man was reported to be behaving erratically about 10pm.

Senior Sergeant Steve Braybrook said officers approached the 33-year-old to find out "what his issue was".

"He turned on them and advanced on them with the machete raised above his head," Mr Braybrook told NZPA.

"They didn't have much option but to Taser him."

The man was known to police and mental health services.

"He's got some mental health issues."

The incident highlighted the benefits of the stun guns, as there was a risk police would have needed to shoot the man with a firearm if the Taser was not available, Mr Braybrook said.

The man appeared in Lower Hutt District Court today charged with assault with a weapon and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was remanded in custody until next week.

- NZPA