Afternoon Headlines | Wastewater diverted into Cook Strait and David Seymour heckled at dawn service | Friday, February 6, 2026
A Porirua boatie has been caught by police after leading them on a chase in an “old” boat.
Police went to the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp this morning to tell the man he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions – but say he took off in hisboat toward the horizon.
The Maritime Unit was called and began searching for a “red and old” boat, found off the Plimmerton coastline about 20 minutes later.
Unit Supervisor Sergeant Richard Kennedy said despite the appearance of the police catamaran and its flashing lights, the man ignored all instructions to stop.
“When he saw us, he did a 180 in his boat and headed off at a rate of knots,” Kennedy said.
“He hit Porirua Harbour at speed and headed toward the shore, with us in pursuit.
The Police Maritime Unit aboard the Lady Elizabeth IV pursued a boatie who had fled after being told he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions.
“It didn’t get any better for the absconder because we were speaking with police units on the ground and letting them know where he was heading ashore.”
Officers were waiting on land and the man was found hiding under a nearby boat shed.
“It’s extremely unusual for boats not to comply with directions – most boaties are great to deal with and it’s very unusual for them to try to run from us,” Kennedy said.
The man was charged with breach of bail and escaping custody, and a further charge of dangerous boating is being considered.
Fisheries officers are also making inquiries after an inspection of the boat.
The man is expected to appear in the Porirua District Court in the coming days.
