A woman was fatally shot by police after she advanced on police "brandishing" a hunting knife moments after her partner had been shot by police.
Meanwhile, a nearby resident told RNZ the couple were "always fighting", while their church pastor said the community had been devastated by the incident.
The man, who was critically injured, is now in a stable condition and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill spoke with media on Thursday about the fatal police shooting.
Canterbury District Commander, Superintendent Tony Hill speaks to media. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Police were called to the Clyde Rd property in Bryndwr, Christchurch about 11pm on Wednesday after a person known to the couple, who was not at the address, called police to say a man at the property was allegedly armed with a knife and threatening to hurt himself and his partner.
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Due to the information provided officers had made a "tactical decision" to arm themselves. There were 10 police officers at the scene at the time.
"As police approach the address, a woman has run out of the house, closely followed by a man in possession of a hunting knife. Police believed the woman was in risk of imminent serious harm, and fired a single shot, which hit the man.
"An officer has approached the man to provide first aid. The woman has picked up the knife and began to threaten officers, despite an appeal for her to put down the weapon, she has advanced on police, brandishing the knife.
"A second shot was fired, hitting the woman, officers immediately provided medical assistance. However, unfortunately, she has died at the scene."
Police on Clyde Road the day after they fatally shot a woman, and critically wounded a man in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Hill said both shots were fired from the same police officer from a rifle.
He said support was in place for the staff who were in attendance at the time.
"Drawing a firearm is one of the last things that a police officer wants to do, and is likely mostly one of the most significant decisions they may have to make in their career."
A critical incident investigation was underway alongside an investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
"I want to offer our condolences and thoughts for the family of the two people who were shot."
A police cordon at Clyde Road in Bryndwr, Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
Asked if he was confident the right tactical option was used, he said that would form a "large part" of the investigation.
"I think it's inappropriate me to say at this stage about whether they were the right decisions at the time that will be part of the investigation. What I will say is it was a highly dynamic situation. Having personally been in one of these myself, I can tell you that they unfold very quickly."
He understood staff at the scene had the "normal, full array of tactical options" that frontline staff have available to them.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he wanted to acknowledge the officers who responded to what he described as a "dangerous and violent" incident.
"They and their families are currently dealing with a situation that no police officer ever wants to be in. They have my full support."
The families and friends of the man and woman who were involved were also in his thoughts, he said.
"This is a tragic situation for all involved."
A nearby resident told RNZ the couple were "always fighting" and said police were routinely called to the address.
Asked about the couple's previous interactions with police, Hill said the prior history of the couple would form a part of the investigation.
When questioned about whether the couple were under the influence of any alcohol or drugs, Hill said "those are facts we are yet to establish".
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