KEY POINTS:
An Auckland man faces a jail term for allegedly pointing a high-powered laser at the police helicopter Eagle.
The man was hunted down and caught by the same helicopter.
Police want New Zealand to follow what is happening in Australia by banning possession of high-powered lasers and introducing a specific charge of laser-pointing.
Eagle pilot Senior Constable Shane Gayley said a crash would happen unless something was done.
He said Eagle was particularly susceptible to laser strike because it was operated at low altitude and pilots flew manually.
Planes flying into Wellington have also had laser beams aimed at them.
- NZPA
