A police pursuit in Northland this evening has ended with five people injured, two seriously.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A 27-year-old woman and a 28-year-old woman have serious injuries. One was taken to Kaitaia Hospital by ambulance - the other flown to Auckland Hospital.
Northland District Commander Rikki Whiu said at 5.30pm a car drove off from a police patrol stop near Awanui in the Far North.
"The car initially stopped, but then drove off before officers could speak with the driver and occupants, resulting in police pursuing the vehicle along State Highway 10 towards Taipa for about 7 kilometres."
The driver lost control near Kaingaroa, hit a steel barrier on the side of the road and swerved in to the path of another car.
Mr Whiu said the driver, a 35-year-old Kaitaia woman, was arrested.
She has been charged with failing to stop for the police and will appear in the Kaitaia District Court tomorrow.
"She was also found to have been breaching her conditions, and went through a roadside breath testing procedure. Further charges are likely. She was taken to Kaitaia Hospital for a medical check and further blood alcohol procedures."
The two male passengers in the other vehicle were treated for minor injuries.
State Highway 10 was closed for some time near the intersection with Pairatahi Road while the Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified.