It's thought a man has been shot twice by a police officer between Dargaville and Whangarei

And it's also believed a police dog has a gunshot wound to the head.

Police and specialist firearms officers have raced to support colleagues in the tiny settlement of Tangowahine.

More than 20 police cars were seen speeding down State Highway 14 from Whangarei.

The dog handler at the scene has scooped up his wounded dog and headed for Dargaville -- where a vet clinic is on standby.