A man was shot by police near Plymouth St and Keith St in Whanganui on Thursday.

Police have revealed a Whanganui man who was shot after allegedly pointing a gun at officers was carrying a replica firearm.

Wattie Adolf Kahu, 49, limped from the cells into the Whanganui District Court on Wednesday to face several charges.

He is alleged to have used a firearm - described on court documents as an air pistol that looked like a Glock 17​ - to prevent being arrested.

Police have since confirmed it was a replica, and not a real gun.

He is also charged with burglary, aggravated burglary and kidnapping.

The charges were laid in relation to an incident on Thursday morning, when police went to speak to Kahu.

He was not home, but police received information he was at another location and used police dogs to track him.

After being located a short time later on Plymouth St, the man allegedly pointed a gun at police.

Acting Central District Commander Inspector Tania Kura said the man was shot twice, suffering injuries to his head and leg.

In court, defence lawyer Debbie Goodlet​ said Kahu needed more time before entering a plea.

"He cannot enter pleas on the current documentation."

Judge David Cameron remanded Kahu in custody until April.

In connection to the investigation, police are asking for the public's help locating a black mountain-bike left in the area of Bell, Plymouth, Dublin and Niblett Streets on March 24.

They believe the bike was left in the area by the man involved in the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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