UPDATED: 5.01PM Tributes for fallen police dog, Gazza, have flooded in on social media.

Hundreds have expressed shock at the incident and their sympathies for the 4-year-old German Shepard’s family.

Gazza was fatally shot today during an armed standoff in Porirua. His handler was constable Josh Robertson with whom he lived.

The police dog was a star of TVNZ show Dog Squad which follows working dogs and their handlers.

SEE THE STORY: Man hunt underway after Police dog shot in Porirua

Shortly after the news was made public, New Zealand Police confirmed the dog was Gazza and wrote: “Our thoughts are with his handler and his family.”

Dog Training Centre national coordinator Inspector Todd Southall said Gazza and Mr Robertson have been a highly effective team in Wellington tracking, searching and catching offenders.

“They are also popular visitors to schools, sports grounds and open days.”

Gazza and Josh would feature in the upcoming series of Dog Squad, he said.

Gazza is the 24th New Zealand Police dog to have been killed on duty and the seventh police dog to have been fatally shot since 1972.

“Gazza is a member of the police breeding program and therefore his legacy will live on.

“The New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre will be hosting a memorial for Gazza in the near future,” Mr Southall said.

The last death was in 2010 when police dog Gage took a bullet for his handler, Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, during a call-out in Christchurch.

Gage was posthumously awarded the PDSA Gold Medal - the animal equivalent of the George Cross, or the New Zealand Cross for outstanding bravery and exceptional dedication.

Dog Squad NZ said on Facebook: “Awful news today, Wellington Police dog Gazza was shot and killed at a Porirua address this morning. Our thoughts are with his handler Josh and the Delta section’s around the country at this very sad time. RIP Gazza, you were a top dog, and a pleasure to work with!”

K9 Surf Rescue Dogs New Zealand said on social media: “YOU DON'T POINT GUNS AT COPS - YOU CERTAINLY DON'T SHOOT POLICE DOGS. Our thoughts are with the handler, and his family and work colleagues. RIP Gazza.”

Members of the public also expressed their condolences.

One Facebook user wrote: “Such a sad event, you amazing dog.”

Another person wrote: “What a beautiful dog just doing his job. No one has the right to hurt or kill any animal.”

Meanwhile Feilding Community Patrol send its regards to Mr Robertson and his family.  

“To all Delta Units especially Josh and his family. Our prayers go to you all.”

Ross Henderson of Police National Headquarters said Mr Robertson had been visited by the Commissioner and Wellington District Commander following the tragic shooting of Gazza.

“He and his family are being offered the usual welfare support that is available to all Police staff.”

In April last year, Gazza was praised for the part he played in tracking and capturing a fleeing burglar.

The man led police on a 3km chase through the outskirts of Wellington after he was interrupted while trying to rob a superette.

Gazza traced his scent through properties and into the bush where police finally caught up with the offender, Fairfax reported.

Constable Robertson ordered the man to stop and when he didn’t, Gazza was set loose. The man was arrested after a tussle with the dog.

Gazza was left with a sore neck and twisted ears after he was choked by the man during the tussle but recovered from his injuries.

Mr Robertson said it was not the first time Gazza had been injured on the job but it had been the worst case, Fairfax reported. 

According to police, police dogs respond to more than 30,000 incidents each year and suffer about five injuries per year.

The police said in a statement today: "Police dogs are very much an integral part of our Police family, and any loss like this is a tragedy that is felt right across the organisation and also by many in our community.

"Police dogs serve our communities day in and day out with courage and loyalty, across a range of roles and situations, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others. The safety of all handlers and their dogs is paramount, with teams responding to about 40,000 incidents a year.

"The dogs are with the handlers 24/7 and live with them and their families.  There’s a special bond and trust between the dogs and their handlers.

"The safety record of dogs is very high, however given the nature of the demanding roles they work in, occasionally deaths and serious injuries sometimes happen."