The Police watchdog wants a policy change, after two deaths in a chase in Otaki last year
The Police watchdog wants a policy change, after two deaths in a chase in Otaki last year
15 April 2025
In April, Police abandoned the pursuit of a stolen ute because of high speeds, after an aggravated burglary.
It fled the wrong way down State Highway One and crashed head-on with another car, killing 16-year-old driver, Reihana Hawea, and passenger, Tama Whakarau.
Five others were injured.
The IPCA's found the pursuit was well managed, but noted issues with communications and lights and sirens.
It wants assisting officers in vehicles to be responsible for communications during chases.
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