Hunt on for shed-smashing driver

Police hope it won't be a long wait before a roadside office used by police for weighing trucks is rebuilt after it was smashed off its foundations by a speeding driver in a stolen car.

The small green office, owned by New Zealand Transport Agency, sitting just off State Highway 1 at Uretiti is used by police weighing and checking heavy vehicles.

Early on Saturday the driver of a grey Subaru Legacy bowled into the office - shunting the structure sideways for about 3 metres.

The badly damaged car was dumped at the scene and a police dog and handler were called to track, but had no luck finding the driver and any passengers who may have been in the car about 12.15am.

Whangarei Detective Dave Wilkinson said the car, which was reported stolen last week, was extensively damaged and had been towed away to be examined.

Mr Wilkinson wanted to hear from anyone who picked up any hitchhikers on State Highway 1 after midnight on Saturday.

Police would still be able to carry out checks of heavy vehicles without the office.

The building was declared a write off by the NZTA which hoped to have some form of office up within a month.

Spokesman Ewart Barnsley said the wiring infrastructure to the building was not damaged. "We have inspected the building and we are committed to getting something up there as quickly as possible."

If anyone has any information contact Detective Sergeant Dave Wilkinson at Whangarei Police Station on 09 430 4500 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.