Driver spoke to teenager before death

Jacinta Waipouri (left). Photo / Supplied

Police believe a motorist stopped and spoke to a teenager sitting on a road shortly before another car hit and killed her.

Jacinta Waipouri, 19, had been arguing with her boyfriend, Mark Tasker, 24, on August 5 as they drove along the Whitford-Maraetai Rd.

They pulled over and she got out, walked up the road, and then sat down in the middle of it. Mr Tasker and their friend, Helen Dando, 24, tried to get her to move when a car hit the two women.

Miss Waipouri died at the scene and Miss Dando was seriously injured.

Yesterday, Counties Manukau police revealed a young man had been on the road shortly before the accident.

Spokeswoman Natalie Swart said a young man had been driving west along the Whitford-Maraetai Rd just before 11pm, and may have stopped and spoken to Miss Waipouri.

Miss Dando's father, Neville Dando, said his daughter was recovering well. "She's doing very well and has had the last of her operations."

The retail assistant had to wait for surgeons to become available for the last operation, on her hand. She knew her friend had been killed and "couldn't believe it".

"She still can't remember [the accident]. It's a shock to her but it's probably best she can't remember. I don't think that would be good for her recovery."

He wasn't sure when she would be able to leave hospital.

If you know the driver who stopped and spoke to Miss Waipouri or have any other information that could help police, contact Constable Rebecca Dearing at the Serious Crash Investigation Unit on 09 261 1318.