Two women have been seriously injured after another woman driving the car they were in fled police, sparking a pursuit, acting Northland district police commander Inspector Rikki Whiu says.
Two men in an oncoming vehicle struck by the out of control car received minor injuries in the crash on State Highway 10 near Kaingaroa, about 15km north-east of Kaitaia.
The pursuit began about 5.30pm today when Kaitaia police on a routine patrol attempted to stop a vehicle near Awanui, Whiu said.
"The car initially stopped, but then drove off before officers could speak with the driver and occupants, resulting in police pursuing the vehicle along SH 10 towards Taipa for about 7km.
"Unfortunately the driver lost control near Kaingaroa and hit a steel barrier on the side of the road, and then careered into the path of an oncoming vehicle."