Mokaraka had performed to sell-out audiences in London with his play Strange Resting Places, a drama/comedy about the 28th Maori Battalion, set in Monte Casino.
He returned in May and had been working since on writing projects.
The 36-year-old was shot by police about 1pm outside his Point Chevalier home after he advanced on them carrying the weapons.
Surgeons spent three hours removing a bullet from his chest and he was in a stable condition last night.
Friends said they did not know what caused him to act as he reportedly did.
Actor Paolo Rotondo - who co-wrote and co-starred in Strange Resting Places - said he could not believe what had happened.
"I've been inside that house writing in there. I can't imagine that something went wrong."
They returned from London in May but had also toured the show in Asia.
"Rob was the comedian in the show, a real crack-up."
They worked on the show for a long time and met through the theatre.
"This has come out of the blue - it's not something anyone could imagine he would do," Mr Rotondo said.
He planned to visit his friend in hospital, and said others were rallying around Mokaraka.
"There's a sea of support on his Facebook page. He could win an election at the moment, there's a lot of aroha and support coming his way."
An actor for 13 years, Mokaraka had appeared in many film, television and theatre roles.
Police had been called after a neighbour saw Mokaraka in an agitated state.
Auckland District Commander Superintendent George Fraser said Mokaraka advanced on police while they were off the property and waiting for the armed offenders squad to arrive.
Neighbours said police tried to reason with him as he waved the meat cleaver around.
A towel covered what he had in his other hand.
When Mokaraka continued to walk towards them he was shot once in the chest.
He could be heard screaming on the ground before he was taken to hospital.
Flatmate Linda Turner said he was "a nice guy, really placid and lovely".
She had seen no sign anything was wrong.
Mokaraka was home alone when the shooting occurred.
