Several investigations will be held into the death of a police officer killed after being struck by a car during a police pursuit near Wellington.
Sergeant Derek Wootton, 52, was fatally struck by the vehicle in Titahi Bay just after laying a set of road spikes early on Friday.
He is the first police officer to be killed in the line of duty since 2002.
Police say the incident started when a Black Honda Prelude was stolen in Tawa, north of Wellington. Police then pursued the vehicle through residential streets at speeds reaching 160kmh.
Mr Wootton, 52, had set down road spikes in Dimock Street, Titahi Bay, to try to stop the stolen car, and was fatally hit about 3am.
The driver, an unemployed 32-year-old man, appeared in Porirua District Court on Friday charged with dangerous driving causing death, robbery, failing to stop, dangerous driving and kidnapping.
The accused, whose name is suppressed, was remanded in custody.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad says the nature of the incident requires a number of different investigations, including a review by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
The Coroner has been informed, and a separate internal police inquiry is also required.
Experienced officer
Wellington Police District Commander Pieri Munroe described Mr Wootton as an experienced frontline supervisor who had joined the police in 1994.
Police say little is known about how Mr Wootton deployed the road spikes but guidelines are given to officers.
National Manager of Road Policing, Superintendent Paula Rose, says spikes are used to stop vehicles only when it is safe to do so.
"It's something we consider as a safe option, where the environment is safe, where there is little traffic, where we've really used up other options," she says.
"We are only able to deploy spikes with the approval and direct authority of the pursuit controller."
Terrible tragedy - PM
Prime Minister Helen Clark says the thoughts of every New Zealander are with the family of Sergeant Wootton, whose death she described as a terrible tragedy.
Miss Clark says police put their lives on the line fighting crime in the community, and no officer should have to pay that ultimate price.
Acting Police Minister Phil Goff says 26 other police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty - clear evidence of the sacrifice made by officers in maintaining the safety and security of all New Zealanders.
