The eldest has been charged with dangerous driving. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Three arrests have been made after a stolen vehicle was driving 11km on the wrong side of a motorway despite having its tires spiked.
Police said it began when they located a Nissan Navara that had been reported stolen at about 1am in Hutt Valley.
"A pursuit was initiated on State Highway 2 after the south-bound vehicle failed to stop when signalled," said Area Commander Inspector Dion Bennett.
When the Navara got on the motorway heading south, but driving in the northbound lanes, police adapted their tactics - following in south-bound lane "with lights and sirens, to warn oncoming traffic".
Spikes were laid, but didn't stop the vehicle, which carried on towards Wellington.
Police eventually decided to make a move before anyone could be hurt. They forced it off the road near the Melling intersection, damaging the vehicle and one of their own. No one was hurt.
The three occupants - a 19-year-old man and two 14-year-old youths - were arrested at the scene.
The road was briefly closed, reopening at 4am.
The eldest has been charged with dangerous driving, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving while forbidden and failing to stop.