Christmas Terror: Bay of Plenty Family Pursued and Rammed in 5km Road Rage Attack
By Lions Roar News Crime Desk
TE PUKE, NEW ZEALAND (December 26, 2025) – What should have been a peaceful drive to a family Christmas lunch turned into a “movie-like” nightmare for a Bay of Plenty mother and her two young sons yesterday. The family was allegedly pursued for five kilometres and repeatedly rammed by a silver minivan in a sustained road rage attack that left their vehicle a wreck and the children terrified.
The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, has sparked an urgent police investigation in the Te Puke area.
🛑 From a “Toot” to a Terror
The victim, Rachel, told reporters the ordeal began at a roundabout on Jocelyn Street in Te Puke. A silver minivan allegedly cut her off by using the wrong lane, nearly causing a collision.
“Out of fright, I had to swerve to avoid being hit, and I tooted,” Rachel said. “I didn’t lay on the horn… but I did toot.”
That single honk allegedly triggered a violent reaction. Rachel claims the driver waited for her at a nearby intersection before beginning a high-speed pursuit toward State Highway 2.
The Ordeal by Numbers:
- 5 Kilometres: The distance the family was chased through Te Puke and Waitangi.
- Repeated Impacts: Rachel described being “constantly rammed” from behind as she struggled to maintain control of her car.
- 111 Call: Her youngest son called emergency services while her older son attempted to photograph the attacker’s vehicle.
💥 The Final Collision
The attack reached a terrifying peak as Rachel slowed to turn into her family’s driveway. She alleges the minivan driver swung toward the centre line and aimed directly at her driver-side door.
“I instinctively put my foot down… he actually hit the back corner of my car, right where my son was sitting,” Rachel said. “Both my sons saw his two wheels lifted off the ground as he ricocheted off my car, and then sped off.”
The impact left Rachel’s car undriveable, with a torn tyre, ripped bumper, and smashed tail lights. While the family escaped serious physical injury, they have been left deeply shaken by the “senseless” Christmas Day violence.
🚔 Police Investigation Ongoing
Police have confirmed they attended the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Te Puke Highway, Paengaroa, at approximately 2:30 p.m. on December 25.
- Status: Inquiries are ongoing to locate the driver of the silver minivan.
- Public Appeal: Anyone with dashcam footage or information regarding a damaged silver minivan in the Te Puke area is urged to contact Police.
