Police have named the man killed shortly after he sped away from police on a stolen motorcycle in Palmerston North last night.
Martyn Dillon, 22, of Paraparaumu, died after losing control of the motorcycle at the corner of Milson Line and John F Kennedy Drive, near Palmerston North Airport.
His pillion passenger, a woman who was not wearing a helmet, was in a serious but stable condition at Palmerston North Hospital.
Palmerston North police area commander Pat Handcock said police had pulled in behind the motorcycle on a red light on the corner of Ruahine St and Tremaine Ave after seeing it travelling at excessive speeds.
Mr Handcock said police activated their flashing lights to request Mr Dillon to pull over as the traffic light turned green, at which point Mr Dillon "accelerated to high speeds" straight through the intersection into Milson Line.
"It appears that the police patrol lost contact with the motorcyclist almost immediately due to the heavy acceleration of the motorcycle."
He said it appeared police attempts to stop the motorcycle were "momentary".
Mr Handcock said the motorcycle had been stolen.
Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said the crash happened about 500m from where the motorcycle accelerated away.
The case has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
NZPA