Taupo Area Commander Warwick Morehu at Thursday's briefing of the Kawerau siege.

Police officer Warwick Morehu came out from behind his desk as an area commander to bring the Kawerau siege to a peaceful end, but he says the four officers who were shot are the real heroes.

The Taupo area commander, Morehu, helped talk down the alleged shooter to end the overnight siege. Morehu is also a Maori liaison officer.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush briefed the country today on the shooting of four police officers and subsequent siege and arrest of 27-year-old Rhys Warren.

Phillipa Yalden Commissioner Mike Bush with Taupo Area Commander Warwick Morehu at Thursday's briefing.

You can read over our coverage of the siege and how it ended.

READ MORE:

* Residents heard gunshots

* More armed offenders in New Zealand - Police Association

LOUIS KLAASSEN/WHAKATANE BEACON Rhys Warren, 27, had been taken into custody "without incident", police said.

PHILLIPA YALDEN/FAIRFAX MEDIA Warren is driven away by police after his arrest.

Stuff.co.nz A timeline of the siege where four police officers were shot.