One dead after Northland police pursuit

One person is dead following a police pursuit in Northland early on Saturday morning.

Around 1:20am police began chasing the vehicle in central Kaitaia.

"However it was soon abandoned due to speed and the manner of driving," said Supt Tony Hill.

"The fleeing vehicle has continued onto a rural road and crashed into a power pole. A backseat passenger died at the scene."

Two others, including the driver, were flown to Auckland for emergency medical treatment. Another two passengers sustained "moderate to minor injuries".

"Fleeing driver events can be volatile, unpredictable and high risk to everyone involved, so whether or not to pursue a fleeing driver is one of the most serious decisions our staff face on the frontline," said Hill.

"Our officers come to work every day to keep people safe and prevent harm so this is the worst possible outcome. I want to extend my sincere condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy."

Police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority will investigate what happened. 

The scene examination is complete and the road has been reopened.