Vehicle allegedly clocked at 146km/h on Auckland motorway, crashes after losing control

Author: Hannah Filmer,
Publish Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2026, 1:49pm

Two drivers face court action over allegedly travelling at excessive speeds on Auckland's Southern Motorway overnight.

Two men have been allegedly clocked driving at excessive speeds – one at 146km/h – on Auckland’s Southern Motorway overnight.

Both motorists face a raft of driving charges, while one faces an additional drug possession charge.

According to police, the first incident was around 10.30pm when a Nissan 4WD was driving at 130km/h near Manurewa.

Senior Sergeant Bill Russell said police suspected the driver, who was allegedly swerving across lanes, had a zero-alcohol condition on his licence.

“Once the vehicle stopped initially, it drove off as police were approaching the vehicle.

“The vehicle wasn’t pursued, but JTOC cameras have monitored the vehicle’s movements and the Eagle [helicopter] also got overhead.”

The vehicle was successfully spiked at the Takanini motorway off-ramp and continued driving to an address in the area.

Police located and arrested a 27-year-old man at the property, who was found to be allegedly more than double the legal breath alcohol limit.

A few hours later, a Nissan was detected being driven at 146km/h near Penrose.

The driver failed to stop for police and allegedly continued speeding south, tracked again by motorway cameras and the Eagle helicopter, where he got off the motorway at Redoubt Rd.

“The Nissan came round a corner at speed, losing control and colliding with a parked ute causing extensive damage to both vehicles,” said Russell.

When officers arrived at the scene, the 18-year-old driver from Flat Bush attempted to flee on foot and was arrested.

The 27-year-old has been charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, dangerous driving, driving contrary to a zero-alcohol licence and failing to remain.

The 18-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving, exceeding 100km/h posted speed limit, failing to stop and possession of cannabis.

Both were due to appear in the Manukau District Court.

“It’s a great result from our night shift team, and fortunately we are not having to announce a law-abiding motorist hasn’t been seriously hurt or killed on the road overnight,” said Russell.