A Far North woman allegedly led police on a 7km chase before crashing, leaving her two passengers with serious injuries and two others with minor injuries.
Acting Northland Police district commander Rikki Whiu said around 5.30pm on Saturday Kaitaia Police carrying out routine patrols attempted to stop a vehicle near Awanui.
"The car initially stopped, but then drove off before officers could speak with the driver and occupants, resulting in police pursuing the vehicle along State Highway 10 towards Taipa for about seven kilometres."
Whiu said the driver lost control near Kaingaroa and hit a steel barrier on the side of the road, then careered into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Whiu said the driver, a 35-year-old Kaitaia woman, was arrested for failing to stop for police.