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Once Were Warriors author Alan Duff is to be prosecuted for allegedly sparking a police pursuit after driving away from a traffic stop.
The outspoken author says he will defend the charges.
The Dominion Post reported Duff was being spoken to by an officer about his driving when he drove away, forcing the patrol car to pursue him.
Duff, 57, of Havelock North, has been charged with failing to remain stopped for an officer to complete an exercise, and failing to stop.
The case was called in Taupo District Court yesterday. Judge James Weir set down a date for a defended hearing next year.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Andy Allerton said Duff had been pulled over near Taupo for a traffic infringement on September 13.
He then allegedly drove away as the officer was interviewing him and failed to stop when police again tried to pull him over.
Duff's lawyer, Trent Petherick, said his client had been using the cruise control function in his Lexus and denied speeding.
He would "vigorously defend" the charges. Duff also believed he had not been arrested or detained when he drove off.
- NZPA
