The family of a New Zealand woman critically injured in a helicopter crash in New York are rushing to her bedside, as investigations continue into what caused the chopper to hit the East River moments after takeoff yesterday.

The Police Association has rubbished suggestions that police should only pursue drivers in "extreme emergencies".

Police are urgently seeking witnesses to a collision involving a dark station wagon and a scooter on Truman Lane near Baypark Stadium in Mt Maunganui about 10.45pm on Saturday.