Rob Mokaraka decided to die a violent death at a time he and his former partner were in dispute over the custody of their child.

Police say they couldn't get a Taser operator to a standoff with an armed man within an hour because few are trained in the weapons' use.

The police shooting of a man armed with knives was the second incident this month where a taser was not available.

Friends of actor Rob Mokaraka - shot by police yesterday - say he didn't seem troubled.