Police conducted their own investigation into the incident and charged the officer with assault with a weapon, however, he was later acquitted.

The police watchdog has found that an officer was unjustified in allegedly striking a man in the head with a sponge-round launcher during his arrest.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority report, released today, outlined events leading up to the incident on January 10, 2023.

The man, referred to as MrZ, had fled into an area of mangroves with a car’s driver, who was wanted for burglary, after police signalled the car to stop.

A police dog handler and two officers tracked and located Mr Z, who was wanted for arrest.

Despite warnings from the dog handler, the man continued to run and the dog bit him.

“One of the assisting officers struck Mr Z in the face and allegedly hit him on the top of the head with a 40mm weapon used to fire sponge rounds,” the report said.

Police acknowledged the report’s findings, including that the dog bite was justified.

Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj said police completed their own investigation, and the officer was charged with assault with a weapon.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.