The Independent Police Conduct Authority has ruled the fatal shooting of a Bay of Plenty man 'justified”.

Shargin Stephens was shot by police during an armed incident on Rotorua's Te Ngae Road on July 14, 2016.

The 35-year-old died in Waikato Hospital on July 26, 2016.

At the time of the shooting, police say Shargin has been armed with a four foot slashes and was being pursued by three officers.

In a statement released today, Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Andy McGregor says police acknowledge the authority's report into the shooting.

'The authority notes that many workers and bystanders were exposed to the threat posed by Mr Stephens, who behaved irrationally and with extreme aggression.

'Repeated efforts to stop Mr Stephens were unsuccessful, and the authority finds the officer who shot him was justified in doing so not only to protect himself, but also the public.

'I commend the professionalism of staff who responded to this incident which, as the authority notes was fast paced and took place in a busy urban environment,” says Andy.

'This is the last outcome which anyone wanted, however our staff must act appropriately based on the situation presented to them to keep themselves and our communities safe.”