Police are dismayed at a South Taranaki woman who was caught drink driving, with four children in her car.

The 28-year-old will appear in the Hawera District Court on Tuesday.  She's charged with ill-treatment of the four children, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, and driving with excess breath alcohol.

Police said she was four times over the limit.  Officers had to use two patrol cars to force the woman to stop after she led them on a short but high speed chase on Friday evening.

The children in the car were aged between four and 14.

Sergeant Pat Duffy of the Taranaki Traffic Alcohol Group is dismayed anyone taking care of children would act so irresponsibly.