However, Inspector Dave Simpson would not comment on how the teenager came to be behind the wheel of a stolen car just weeks after his prior driving offence.
"Police did their job when we apprehended him. After that, it's not our issue."
Earlier police said the teen had been at the wheel during last month's incident, but later issued a correction saying he was a passenger.
Today's fatality demonstrated the tragic consequences that could occur when a driver did not stop for police, Simpson said.
Two injured female passengers in today's crash on Bairds Rd were aged 16. One is in a stable condition in hospital while the other remains in a serious condition.
The car, which was stolen earlier from Takanini, hit a tree about one minute after the police pursuit began just before 6am.
"Fleeing driver incidents are incredibly dangerous," Simpson said.
"They are putting not only themselves at risk but also their passengers, police staff and innocent members of our community going about their daily lives."
The vehicle crashed into a tree "less than a minute" after police started pursuing the vehicle, Simpson said.
Bairds Rd resident Alapati Scanlan said he was walking his partner to the bus stop when he saw a vehicle being chased by police.
A police car was following close behind the fast-moving fleeing vehicle when it hit the kerb and drove into a tree, he said.
He was scared and shocked at seeing the incident, he said, but did not approach the vehicle to help because police wouldn't allow him to.
