Name release for man who died from 'medical event' after Hastings chase

A coroner's investigation will examine the death of a 39-year-old man who died suddenly on Saturday night in Flaxmere, Hastings, after a police chase.

Police on Wednesday released the name of the deceased - he was Stacey Owen Waaka.

Enquiries into Mr Waaka's death are ongoing and a post mortem has been completed.

Police said a formal ruling on the cause of death is a matter for the coroner, however, the provisional post mortem results support the initial indications that his death was the result of a medical event.

"Officers are continuing to ensure the appropriate support is available for Mr Waaka's whanau at this difficult time," a police spokesperson said.

Police earlier said they had tried to stop a man about 11.35pm on Henderson Rd on August 1 due to the manner of his driving, and poor condition of the vehicle.

"A pursuit was initiated and the vehicle came to a stop a short time later on Swansea Rd," police said in a statement.

"A Taser was deployed twice early in the incident, about the time an officer was assaulted. It does not appear to have made contact on either occasion.

"The foot chase ended when the driver was located at a property on Caernarvon Drive.

"At this point the driver suffered what appears to have been a medical event. Police administered first aid and called a St John Ambulance, however, the man died at the scene."

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has been notified and an internal investigation will consider police policies and procedures.

The man died after experiencing a medical event at a Caernarvon Drive home in Flaxmere.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Tania Kura said several investigations into the circumstances of the incident were underway.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this extremely difficult time and we will ensure support is available to them."