The patrol car saw the car turn onto Takapu Road about 11:30pm and with lights and sirens on, they signalled the driver to stop.
A pursuit began and Mr Paaka drove the car north up the off-ramp and entering the south bound lanes of SH1, travelling in the wrong direction.
The officers in the patrol car continued to follow the vehicle on to the wrong side of the motorway.
A short time later the officers saw headlights coming towards the car driven by Mr Paaka.
The oncoming car swerved towards the centre barrier to avoid an accident, the occupants were shaken but uninjured.
Mr Paaka stopped on the motorway shoulder about 200 metres north of the crash scene where he was immediately arrested by Police
The pursuit covered two kilometres and lasted about 45 seconds.
The officer leading the patrol car justified his actions on the basis that his siren and flashing lights would warn on-coming motorists of the fleeing driver approaching.
Chair of the authority Judge Sir David Carruthers said the pursuit was unjustified.
"The officer's actions in following the car onto the wrong side of SH1, at 80 km/h, were not likely to reduce risk.
"Indeed the flashing lights and siren of the police car were more likely to distract and confuse oncoming drivers and decrease the likelihood that they would take effective evasive action. They were not actions that a competent and experienced Police officer should take," Sir David said.
He said the officer's actions amounted to dangerous driving and recommended that Police commenced disciplinary proceedings under the Police Code of Conduct against the officer in respect of the actions.
The police investigation into the actions of both officers is ongoing.
Mr Paaka was subsequently convicted of various charges resulting from this incident.
