One person has died after fleeing police and crashing into a tree in Auckland's Papatoetoe.
Inspector Alison Brand said the crash, on Lambie Dr, followed an incident where a vehicle failed to stop for police and fled the scene.
"Police had signalled for the vehicle to stop on Davies Avenue around 11.40pm [on Monday] after units observed the vehicle travelling with stolen plates," she said.
"The vehicle initially stopped for police for a short time where attending officers spoke to the driver, however the vehicle did not remain, and left the area at speed towards Ronwood Avenue.
"Lights were activated and police were preparing to deploy spikes, however the vehicle swerved and crashed into a tree."
Despite efforts from first responders, the driver died at the scene.
A passenger received critical injuries and was transported to hospital.
"There are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation, as well as a Serious Crash investigation," Insp Brand said.
"As is standard procedure in these circumstances, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident."
Lambie Dr has reopened on Tuesday morning.
