A teenager who died during a police pursuit in Wellington overnight was in the boot of the car.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The vehicle, which was reported stolen the previous day, failed to stop for police on State Highway 1, near the Terrace Tunnel, at 2.44am, Wellington Police District commander superintendent Sam Hoyle said.
Police then pursued the car north on the motorway before it crashed just south of the Tawa interchange.
A teenager who was in the boot died at the scene. He was Bailey Patmore, 15, from Cannons Creek in Porirua.
The five people who were all seated in the car were taken to hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
Police had notified the teen's next of kin and were supporting the family.
"Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time," Mr Hoyle said.
A Serious Crash Unit investigation and an internal police investigation will begin shortly. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.