Police are searching for two individuals following an armed robbery and subsequent carjacking north of Wellington on Tuesday afternoon (27th of October).

Around 5:30 pm, police responded to reports of a robbery on Ararino Street in Upper Hutt. Three offenders, reportedly armed with an axe and a hammer, stole a cash till before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

The group later abandoned the first vehicle and stole a second car. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver evaded officers before losing control and crashing on State Highway 1 between Porirua and Tawa.

No other vehicles were involved, and no serious injuries were reported.

Police took the alleged driver into custody at the scene. Investigations and searches remain ongoing to locate the two passengers.

The southbound lane of State Highway 1 near the Kenepuru off-ramp remains closed.

Source: Radio New Zealand

28/10/26