Driver killed by unknown object named

Rutger Telford Hale, who was killed when an unknown object crashed through his windscreen near Wanaka.

Police are interviewing the driver of a white four wheel drive utility in connection with the inquiry into the death of a motorist killed when an object smashed through his windscreen.

The incident happened on SH6 between Wanaka and Lake Hawea early yesterday morning.

Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron told the Otago Daily Times this afternoon someone had approached police and told them they were the owner and driver of a white utility that used the road.

"That person's being interviewed as we speak.

"It is not known at this stage if it is the white utility that we are interested in or not."

Farm worker Rutger Telford Hale, 22, of Auckland, died when an unidentified object crashed through his windscreen early yesterday morning.

Mr Hale was originally from Auckland and had been living in the Hawea area for only a few weeks.

Mr Hale died after being struck by an object that smashed through the windscreen of the dark blue Subaru legacy station wagon he was driving, on State Highway 6 about 12km from Wanaka.

He was travelling with his 26-year-old partner when the incident occurred.

Police conducted an area canvas early this morning stopping vehicles along State Highway 6 in the vicinity of where the crash occurred to ask motorists if they had seen either Mr Hale's Subaru or the late model white 4 x 4 ute which was believed to have been in the locality at the time the crash occurred.

"We talked with around 55 people who were driving this part of State Highway 6 and intend to follow up on a number of positive inquiries that relate to the information we received," says Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron.

Police staff today are also visiting local addresses in the area where the crash occurred to see if anyone has information that might assist.

"We're still keen for anyone to contact us if they have any information that might assist in relation to our investigation of this crash. We're also still interested to speak with the driver of the ute," Detective Sergeant Cameron says.

A post-mortem will be carried out this afternoon on Mr Hale's body.