Two people have died in separate crashes in Canterbury overnight

Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker says a man died after he smashed his car into Timaru Police Station during an on again, off again pursuit by police.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene while the death's will be referred to the Coroner, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.

Meanwhile, one person died and three others were injured when a car ploughed into a powerpole on Greywacke Road near Christchurch Airport at around 1am.

Enquiries into the circumstances of that crash are underway.