FAMILY PHOTO: Antony Ratahi, left, in a photo that appeared on a Facebook tribute page which was created on the day of his death.

Police have completed the scene examination of the Taranaki hotel where Anthony Ratahi was killed after a 13 hour hostage siege.

Ratahi, 46, died at 10.20am on Saturday after a stand-off with armed police at Opunake's Headlands Hotel.

He burst into the building on Friday night and took his former girlfriend Marcelle Beer captive at gunpoint in front of a restaurant full of witnesses.

Police said the investigation into the incident was continuing with staff of about 30, and evidence taken from the hotel, including the gun Ratahi brandished, would now be subject to further examination.

"As we have previously stated, this investigation needs to be thorough and meticulous and is likely to take some months," Superintendent Russell Gibson, of Central District police, said.

"It is also important that the integrity of the investigation is protected, which means it is unlikely that any further information will be publicly disclosed until the investigation has concluded."

Police were conducting interviews with witnesses and police officers involved in the incident.

Background work was also being carried out to build up a picture of Ratahi's history and movements leading up the kidnapping, police said.

This afternoon, Beer's family released a statement thanking police for being committed to her safety.

The family said they would appreciate their privacy to be respected "at this most difficult time".

"Marcelle is doing as well as could be expected in such circumstances."

"We would, however, like to take the opportunity to give our most heartfelt thanks to all the police involved, as well as Marcelle's workmates, who have been so diligent and committed to her safety, not only on the night, but the nine months preceding this time."

The family said their "love and thoughts" were with Ratahi's whanau in this "extremely difficult time for them" - "may he rest in peace".

Ratahi was killed with a single shot to the head on Saturday morning after a night of tense negotiations, police said today.

He was shot after he wrestled with officers and a police dog, police said, but they have not said who fired the shot.

Three investigations were under way into the shooting, including a Independent Police Conduct Authority report.

The release of Mr Ratahi's body to the family was now a matter for the Coroner.

Less than 12 hours after Antony Ratahi was killed, a tribute page was created on Facebook.

The page featured more than a dozen messages to the family from relatives and friends of Ratahi. This afternoon, 76 people had "liked" the page.

A photo of Ratahi with what appears to be family, taken in 2006, had also been posted on the page.

Hawke's Bay woman Leesa Stewart left a detailed message questioning the police decision to shoot Ratahi dead.

"To the ratahi whanau and the people of taranaki this is a very sad day that another person has been shot and killed by the police of taranaki.u have to ask the question was there no other way couldn't they hav injured him well obviously not ... it's just disgusting and they are a law unto themselves."

A death notice from Ratahi's family features in the Taranaki Daily News today saying he was "tragically taken".

- Stuff, with Taranaki Daily News