Waimamaku death: Northland police investigating after man found dead on State Highway 12

A man was initially found seriously injured on State Highway 2 near Waimamaku at 8.47am. He then died at the scene. Photo / Bevan Conley

Police have opened an investigation and seized a utility vehicle after a man died on the side of the road in rural Northland.

Police are asking for any information on the man’s death and his movements around 7.45am to 8.45am today. They are also asking for anyone with dashcam footage from the area or anybody who saw a vehicle of interest nearby to come forward.

Officers “secured” a property nearby and then seized a 2024 white double-cab Toyota Hilux utility with large black bull bars on the front and a flat deck on the back, a police spokesman said.

The man was found seriously injured on State Highway 12 near Waimamaku at 8.47am before dying at the scene.

Investigators examined the scene and interviewed “a number of people” in relation to the incident.

Police have spoken with “a person of interest” and a spokesman said this person was assisting with their inquiries.

“Police would like to speak to anyone who was travelling on State Highway 12 this morning between 7:45am and 8:45am,” the spokesman said.

FINAL UPDATE 8:15PM
State Highway 12 has now RE-OPENED through the Waipoua Kauri Forest. ^CS https://t.co/bvOe6oiFgw

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) August 1, 2024

“Motorists who may have dashcam footage or saw either the vehicle, or a person walking, on the road near rapid numbers 6700-6900 are urged to contact police if you have not already done so.

“This area of interest to police is about 4km south of the Waimamaku township.”

Anyone offering information could do so by calling 105 or going to www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and referencing Operation Number of file number 240801/3234.

Information can also be offered anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

SH12 was closed for almost 10 hours after a report of a serious crash, the New Zealand Transport Agency said.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.