A deadly car crash west of Auckland on Thursday morning happened after a police pursuit.
However, police say they followed the driver for only about a minute after concerned relatives reported him being in an agitated state.
The 45-year-old could not be found at home and his car was later seen in Greenhithe, but the short pursuit was abandoned due to fears for public safety.
The police helicopter saw the car again almost 30 minutes later pulling into a driveway.
Police say the man then sped down a gravel road near Muriwai and went through a fence and over a bluff. Crew on board the helicopter landed to give first aid, but the man died at the scene.
