Constable Matthew Hunt, 28, was shot dead during a routine traffic stop on Friday.
The other officer, who was shot in the leg, was fired on more than a dozen times, RNZ has been told.
According to sources, Constable Hunt was in the front passenger seat of the police car and the second officer was driving.
Both were shot after failing to stop a vehicle around 10.30am on Friday.
Police found the vehicle crashed a short time later on Reynella Drive in Massey.
As they approached, a man got out armed with a long-barrelled gun and opened fire.
