National Party Leader John Key says the tragic death of police officer Sergeant Derek Wootton in the line of duty in Titahi Bay today is a stark reminder of the danger every frontline officer faces on behalf of the public.

"This is a very sad day for the family of Sergeant Wootton, and for the whole of the New Zealand Police," Mr Key says.

"My thoughts and condolences, and those of the National Party, go out to Sergeant Wootton's family, and also to the men and women of the police who will all be affected by this tragedy.

"His death is a further reminder - as if we needed it - that the police put their lives on the line every day to make New Zealand a better and safer place to live."