Police chase driver towing stolen boat

A man was arrested after leading police on a chase from rural Waikato over the Kaimai Ranges into Tauranga. Photo / File

A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a boat and leading police on a chase from rural Waikato over the Kaimai Ranges into Tauranga this morning.

Western Bay of Plenty police deployed road spikes that managed to slow the fleeing driver down, however he was eventually stopped after being nudged to the side of the road by a patrol car.

The incident began when a boat was reported stolen in Te Aroha by the owner's neighbour at 5.30am today.

The neighbour followed the vehicle until police arrived when they activated their sirens and flashing lights.

Unperturbed, the driver carried on with patrols from Te Aroha, Cambridge and Matamata following the vehicle and the stolen boat over the ranges when they were joined by Western Bay of Plenty police.

Senior Sergeant Carl Purcell said the tyres of the vehicle - which was stolen from a Thames property in January - and the boat were both deflated by road spikes and despite them shredding down to the rims, the man continued to drive on.

"The fleeing driver was finally stopped on Merrilees Rd [SH2] being pushed to the side of the road by a police vehicle as it attempted to get onto an on- ramp to the Harbour bridge. The stolen vehicle suffering damage to the tyres and rims. There was minimal damage to the police vehicle. There were no injuries to the driver or police staff."

A 48-year-old man will appear in Tauranga District Court later this morning charged with reckless driving, failing to stop, driving while suspended, theft and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.