A teenager whose high-speed drink-driving left his girlfriend in hospital says he has learned his lesson and will not drive drunk again.
Rae Rae, 16, admitted drinking heavily before driving his Toyota early on Saturday in South Auckland.
He had three other teenage passengers and during a police
pursuit, the car crashed into a lamp-post and caught fire.
Anita Matagi - Rae's girlfriend - was pulled injured from the car and remains in hospital.
Rae's sister was also hurt in the crash.
Rae had told National Radio he would drink and drive again. "I would do it again but with no one in the car besides me. I would drink and drive again with just me in the car," he said.
However Rae's attitude had changed when he told Campbell Live on TV3 that "we've all got second chances".
Rae said he was not thinking while he was drunk and just took off.
Rae said he apologised to Anita Matagi's family and to anyone else who took offence from his comments.
"Sorry, I'm very sorry, I apologise."
Rae said he realised his actions were stupid and advised young people not to drink and drive.
- NZPA
