Far North man charged with ramming house, running partner off road

A Waima man has been arrested after allegedly running his partner's car off the road. Photo / File

A Far North man faces a raft of charges after a family violence incident in which he allegedly drove into a house and ran his partner's car off the road.

The incident occurred at Waima, in South Hokianga, about 10am on Saturday.

It is alleged the 44-year-old man first rammed a house with his vehicle, then pursued the woman as she fled in another car and then ran her off the road. The man sustained a head injury in the resulting crash.

He was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, criminal damage and threatening to kill.

He was due in the Kaikohe District Court yesterday when further charges were expected to be laid. Police planned to oppose bail.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old woman from the Kerikeri area has been remanded in custody after an alleged prolonged road rage incident last Wednesday.

It is understood the incident arose from a dispute over money and the woman allegedly chased another woman's vehicle along Purerua Rd, Kapiro Rd, Landing Rd, Waipapa Rd and the Heritage Bypass.

Kerikeri police Sergeant Ross Laurie said the 28-year-old had been charged with reckless driving and was refused bail when she appeared in the Kaikohe District Court last week. She is due back in court on March 20.

Emergency services were kept busy with a series of weekend crashes around the Mid North.

About 2.35pm on Saturday, a US tourist who had arrived in New Zealand earlier that day was involved in a head-on crash on State Highway 1 between Pakaraka and Ohaeawai.

Laurie said the American was on the wrong side of the road and had been charged with aggravated careless driving. A male passenger in the other car sustained broken bones. Fatigue was thought to be a factor in the crash.

About 4.45pm on Sunday a tradesman's van failed to take a corner on Whangaroa Rd, about 1km east of Kaeo Rugby Club, and struck a power pole. Police said the 61-year-old Auckland plumber had been charged with careless driving.