Family farewell 'unique person'

Michael Ritchie. Photo / Supplied

The foster parents of a fatal hit-and-run victim who was successfully managing Asperger's Syndrome say they feel no malice towards the driver.

Michael Ritchie, 24, was knocked down while walking on a footpath near his West Auckland home last week.

He was rushed to Auckland Hospital by ambulance but died of his injuries two days later.

A 20-year-old woman was charged with traffic offences. She appeared in the Waitakere District Court and was remanded on bail until June 24.

Police spokesman Kevin Loughlin said Michael's death was still being investigated and the driver was likely to face further charges.

Michael had struggled all his life with Asperger's Syndrome, a disorder at the mild end of the autism spectrum that can cause difficulties with social interaction.

His foster mother Rosemary Browne said he was returning home from visiting friends when he was hit. She did not know anything about the accused.

"We haven't really asked (the police) a lot. We just thought we would wait for the court case. We're Christians and we don't hold any malice or anger towards that person.

"We actually feel a lot of empathy towards them and their family."

Hundreds of people packed the West City Christian Centre on Wednesday for Michael's funeral.

He had lived with foster parents Rosemary and Alvin Browne and Jo and Billy Mack since the age of 12.

At the service, Rosemary said Michael loved music, technology and learning facts.

"He used to read the Herald from cover to cover from the age of 12. We never needed Google when Michael was around," she said.

"Life was sometimes a real challenge ... but he always came up smiling. He was a unique person."

Michael was involved with A Supported Life - an organisation that works with adolescents and adults facing intellectual challenges and the group helped him thrive.

He had moved into his own flat and was working to improve his social skills.

A Supported Life general manager Stuart Spackman said Michael had been displaying signs of a new-found maturity and growth.

"He had a relentless energy and was the go-to guy if you needed to know anything about technology."

Matt Pau Tauia, who worked with Michael at the organisation, spent time with him the day he died. They walked the length of Long Bay beach on Auckland's North Shore so Michael could take a photo of Rangitoto Island.

"I have never seen him in such good spirits," he said.

Ross, his pastor at the West City Youth Group, said he was well-liked.

"Wherever he was, he had his longboard under one arm and his iPod in his pocket ... he wrote songs and recited them to his friends reflecting what was happening in his life."