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An investigation of a fatal police pursuit in Te Puke two years ago
says the police were justified in trying to stop the driver,
but should have abandoned the pursuit sooner.
The driver of the stolen vehicle and a passenger both died at the scene
after being chased for nearly 20 minutes.
Recommendations from the Police Conduct Authority said
that police and communication staff should be reminded of the risks
of pursuing at high speeds.
And the sustained high speeds reached by the pursuing officers
were dangerous to the public,
the occupants of the fleeing vehicle
and the officers themselves.
Harley Wilson (21) and Michael Keepa (25), both of Levin,
died when the stolen vehicle they were driving crashed
in Te Puke during the pursuit.