Far North: Police: Woman's fatal fall from car followed domestic dispute

Police investigate the scene where a 50-year-old local woman died after falling from a car at the intersection of SH1 and 12 in Ohaeawai. Photo / Jenny Ling

A woman fell to her death from a car that didn't stop - and now police have charged her former partner over the tragic event which claimed her life.

Locals in Ohaewai in the Far North initially assumed the accident was a hit-and-run with the woman's body found by a busy intersection opposite the small town's pub.

But police investigating her death reached a different conclusion and the woman's partner appeared in Kaikohe District Court on Thursday afternoon.

Phillip Lance Takimoana, 41, was charged with dangerous driving causing death, driving while disqualified and failing to stop after a crash when he appeared in Kaikohe District Court.Takimoana, described as an operator from Ohaeawai, is due to reappear in court on November 12.

Emergency services were called to the scene, at the intersection of State Highway 1 and 12 at the Ohawawai shops, at around 9.30pm on Wednesday.

The woman, aged 50, died at the scene.

Acting detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell said police have spoken to around 25 people and would like to talk to any other witnesses who saw the incident or the white Nissan Fuga.

Police allege Takimoana was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The pair were partners who had been together about six years, Dalzell said.

"There had been a domestic dispute immediately prior to this event," he said.

"We're still looking for anyone that may have seen anything."

The woman's family have been notified of her death.

There were several police cars at the scene on Thursday, including crash investigators and detectives knocking on doors questioning locals.

The owner of the Ohaeawai Hotel, which is located at the junction, said he saw the flashing lights of emergency services during the night and noticed the road was closed.

"By the time morning came round the road was open again."

Twenty-seven people have died on Northland roads this year. It is unclear whether the Ohaeawai incident will add another death to the toll.

Dalzell said anyone who witnessed the incident can contact police on the 105 number.