The 15-year-old driver of a stolen car is recovering from surgery after suffering critical leg injuries when he crashed into a tree in Manurewa, in South Auckland.
The others in the car were aged 13 and 14. Two are in stable condition in hospital while three others have been released.
Inspector Heather Mills told Checkpoint the crash happened after the driver sped away from a manned area set up to find stolen cars.
The car crashed into a tree on Hill Road at 12.20am on Monday.
The driver had to be cut from the car wreck. He is in a stable following surgery in Middlemore Hospital.
Five other teenagers in the car suffered moderate to serious injuries. The police say the boys are lucky more of them weren't seriously hurt.
Charges have not yet been laid.
