Motorcyclist killed after crash was Hayden Tahau, from Taupo, police say

Shortly after they stopped chasing him, Tahau's motorbike collided with a car. Photo / Martin Sykes

The man who died after a crashing while fleeing police was Hayden Tahau, police say.

The 26-year-old from Taupo died in Palmerston North Hospital yesterday afternoon, after colliding with a car while fleeing police the night before.

Police said the motorcyclist had failed to stop for them shortly before 7:30pm on Thursday.

He was driving at speed and police started pursuing him just north of Bulls town centre, a police spokesperson said police quickly abandoned the pursuit because of how the man was driving.

Shortly after they stopped chasing him, Tahau's motorbike collided with a car on Bridge Street in Bulls.

He was airlifted to Palmerston North hospital in a critical condition and died the next day.

Police said the Serious Crash Unit would continue to investigate the crash and the Independent Police Conduct Authority had been advised.

Part of the street was closed north of State Highway 1, and diversions were put in place.