Waka Kotahi warned drivers around 7.25am on Monday to expect delays as police blocked lanes on the Southern Motorway. Photo: WAKA KOTAHI
Two people have been arrested after a police chase across Auckland involving two stolen cars - one of which caught fire.
Police were called about a car being stolen in the North Shore suburb of Hauraki about 5.20am on Monday.
They said the police helicopter found the car, but it drove away from officers who signalled it to stop.
Even after being caught in police spikes, it continued to drive through the city and onto the Southern Motorway.
Inspector Rod Carpinter said the car was dumped in Botany, and the pair inside stole another one.
He said that car was spiked in Ōtara and caught fire.
The pair then surrendered to police.
"Police inquiries are continuing," Carpinter said.
"Police are aware of the hazards these types of events can cause and we thank the public for their cooperation this morning in allowing police to bring this incident to a close safely."