Rotorua fatal hit-and-run case

The story so far

On 15 June 2025, a motorcyclist allegedly overtook a stationary vehicle on Edmund Road in Mangakakahi, Rotorua, and struck a 24-year-old sight- and hearing-impaired pedestrian at a crossing, then fled.^{15, 17 Jun 2025} The pedestrian was critically injured and died in Waikato Hospital on 19 June.^{17, 19, 23 Jun 2025} Police released images of the rider and motorcycle and sought witnesses and information to find the motorcyclist.^{15, 17, 19, 23 Jun 2025} Police described the motorcycle as a black and gold Kawasaki Ninja 600cc with a full left leg tattoo on the rider.^{24 Jun 2025} A 31-year-old Hamilton man was arrested and charged with manslaughter and failing to stop.^{25 Jun 2025}

Latest

A 55-year-old man has also been charged in relation to the death and has appeared in Hamilton District Court on a manslaughter charge.^{26 Jun 2025} The stories do not say how the second charge relates to the first man charged.^{25, 26 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 Jun 2025Pedestrian critically injured on Edmund Road; motorcyclist fled the scene.
2. 17 Jun 2025Police say motorcyclist overtook a stationary vehicle and struck pedestrian at crossing.
3. 19 Jun 2025The 24-year-old pedestrian died in hospital after the alleged hit-and-run.
4. 24 Jun 2025Police describe the motorcycle and rider, and urge the motorcyclist to come forward.
5. 25 Jun 2025A 31-year-old Hamilton man charged with manslaughter and failing to stop.
6. 26 Jun 2025A 55-year-old man charged with manslaughter in relation to the death.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.