Police hunt on after fatal Whirinaki hit-and-run | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Police are hunting for a car damaged in a hit-and-run after a man was found dying on a Northland highway.

The seriously injured man was found lying beside State Highway 12 near Whirinaki,  between Opononi and the Rawene turn-off, about 8.45pm on Tuesday night.

While no one saw the accident, police say the 45-year-old's injuries suggested he had been hit by a car heading towards Opononi.

He was still alive when a member of the public driving past made the shocking discovery.

The man died soon afterwards of severe head injuries, despite the efforts of locals and St John paramedics.

Police are urging anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area or a recently damaged vehicle to call Kaikohe police on (09) 405 2960. Anonymous tip-offs can be made to the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

The 45-year-old victim was last seen by Whirinaki local Wiki Wynyard and her husband on Tuesday night after he'd visited their home on the main road on SH12, running through the small rural community in Hokianga.

The man, known as Tom-Tom  by neighbours, lived on the same stretch of narrow road Mrs Wynyard's house is  on.

"He would make regular yet random visits to catch up and have a few drinks,"she said.

Mrs Wynyard and her husband were the last people who saw the man on Tuesday evening.

Mrs Wynyard said after they had shared a few drinks with Tom-Tom he'd left to either head to a party or go home.

"My husband heard a thump and thought it was a car door," she said.

The police, the fire service and St John paramedics had arrived on the scene and with local support had tried to revive the man.

Acting Detective Sergeant Greg Johnson said police were looking for a damaged vehicle and were appealing for any information.

"While no vehicle was seen, it was believed the injuries and scene were consistent with the deceased having been struck by a motorist," said Sergeant Johnson.

The pace had slowed in the community where cars are allowed to drive at 100km/h  yesterday as police scoured the scene for clues. Poor conditions had prevented a full scene examination on the night of the incident.

As well, poor street lighting - only one street light - and fast-moving traffic had made a search all but impossible.

A small bunch of spring flowers and a beer bottle had been left near the power post and ditch where the man had lost his life.

Mrs Wynyard remembered the man as a good-hearted local who was  outgoing and cheeky but a lovely person.

"He had a community spirit and would do anything for you.

"He would collect kaimoana [seafood] and helped the marae. We are in shock and disgusted that someone would do this and drive off."

The man's name would not be released until  family in New Zealand and abroad had been notified.