The fatal shooting of a man who presented a shotgun and attempted to shoot police has been deemed justified.

Waikato Police acknowledge the Independent Police Conduct Authority's report which finds that the fatal shooting of Nicholas Marshall in Hamilton on July 12, 2016, was justified.

Marshall was shot by Armed Offenders Squad officers after he presented a shotgun and attempted to shoot at them while police conducted a search warrant at warehouse in Hamilton, after receiving information he was involved in supplying methamphetamine and manufacturing firearms.

Waikato District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird says staff had little choice but to respond with firearms when Marshall refused requests to get on the ground and instead pointed a pump-action shotgun at them and attempted to chamber rounds.

'As the Authority noted, staff were presented with a very real risk of death or serious harm by Marshall who needed to be urgently stopped.

'Due to the rapidly evolving situation, other tactical options were neither viable nor appropriate, with Marshall's actions ultimately leaving staff with no other option but to use lethal force to keep themselves and others safe, with the Authority finding that the shooting was justified,” says Bruce.

'While this was a tragic end that nobody would have wanted, I commend the officers who responded and who acted with professionalism and considerable courage.

'This was a highly-charged and dangerous situation and I am grateful that there were no further injuries or yet more tragedy.”