One person has died and six others have been injured after a stolen ute fled from police and caused a head-on crash north of Ōtaki overnight.
Just after 10:30pm on Friday, officers signalled the stolen ute to stop south of Levin, said Acting Central District Commander Inspector Clifford Brown.
The ute was wanted in relation to a robbery in Ōtaki earlier on Friday evening, he added.
"A pursuit was initiated but was abandoned within several minutes due to the manner of driving, and the ute continued at speed heading south on State Highway 1," Insp Brown said.
Less than 20 minutes later, the ute was spotted driving north onto SH1 at Waikanae, in the southbound lane.
The ute then collided head-on with another vehicle, just south of Lawlors Rd, at about 11pm.
The ute's driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the ute's two passengers are in a serious and critical condition.
"The male in critical condition remains in Wellington Hospital," said Insp Brown.
The second vehicle's four occupants were moderately and seriously injured, he said.
"An outcome like this is never something Police wants, and our thoughts are with those in the other vehicle who were needlessly injured."
Police will consider charges against those in the ute.
The serious crash unit is investigating and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
