Passenger charged after police chase 

Source: ONE News

A passenger of a vehicle has been charged alongside the driver after allegedly egging his friend on to speed away from police.

Hamilton police say they started a pursuit shortly after midnight when the car was seen by a police patrol doing "donuts".

Acting Sergeant Myles O'Donnell says despite heavy rain the driver sped off and the pursuit commenced, managed by the Police Northern Communications Centre.

"Given the conditions it was very lucky there were very low traffic volumes because the speed the driver was going could be fairly described as 'excessive'," O'Donnell says.

"Fortunately common sense prevailed and the driver pulled over on the northern side of Ngaruawahia."

He faces several charges under boy racer legislation, reckless driving and failing to stop - but his passenger has found himself in deep water as well.

The driver allegedly told interviewing police officers he was from Auckland and had to rely on his passenger's local knowledge and navigation skills.

The passenger is alleged to have been encouraging him to increase his speed to get away.

The passenger has been charged with aiding reckless driving - not something someone is charged with very often, according to O'Donnell.