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A person has been killed just outside Rotorua after fleeing police and crashing.
Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Herby Ngawhika said police spotted a vehicle of interest about 11.30am on Thursday in Haupapa Street, Rotorua.
Officers signalled the driver to stop, but they drove off and police initiated a pursuit.
Soon after, the car crashed into another vehicle in the suburb of Ōwhata, on the outskirts of the city.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, the driver of the fleeing vehicle died at the scene, Ngawhika said.
A passenger in the fleeing car received minor injuries and two people in the other car were moderately injured; all three were taken to Rotorua Hospital.
Police said Vaughan Road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.
The crash has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.