The passenger in a vehicle involved in a police chase and crash in the Wellington region has died in hospital.

The crash occurred in Kenepuru Rd, Porirua last night.

Police said officers signalled for the vehicle to pull over for a routine check. The driver did not stop and instead fled in the vehicle. Police followed and a pursuit around central Porirua lasted for less than two minutes.

The fleeing vehicle lost control on a right hand bend and crashed through a fence.

Both occupants were taken to hospital for treatment. The passenger died as a result of injuries. The driver remains in hospital with serious injuries, which are not thought to be life threatening.

The driver will face charges relating to the incident.

The police said: "This is a tragedy for the families involved and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"These incidents are also devastating for our staff and it is the last thing our officers go to work for. This once again demonstrates the tragic consequences which can happen if a driver chooses not to stop for police."

The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the police are conducting their our own investigation, both of which are standard procedure.