KEY POINTS:
A teenage pedestrian left fighting for his life after a hit-and-run on Auckland's North Shore early today is now expected to survive.
The 17-year-old was taken to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition following the incident in Northcote about 3am today.
But Sergeant Stu Kearns of Waitemata police said the young man's condition had improved.
"Most of his injuries have settled down during the day. I think he's pretty much out of the woods," Mr Kearns said.
"He has substantial injuries but I understand he's no longer being categorised as critical."
The victim was taken to hospital after being hit by a vehicle, believed to be a Mitsubishi, which was travelling on Lake Road towards Northcote Road. The driver failed to stop.
Meanwhile, Mr Kearns said they had finished for now interviewing a woman who came forward this morning following publicity.
No decision had been made on whether any charges would be laid and the investigation is continuing.
Police have impounded a Mitsubishi Lancer sedan in connection with the incident.
The incident happened on Lake Rd, Northcote, at about 3am.
A silver station wagon seen leaving the scene had been travelling towards Takapuna when it struck the man.
Debris from the car was found at the scene, allowing police to identify the make and model of car - a Mitsubishi Lancer sedan.
The woman who came forward drives the same type of vehicle.
Police earlier said the car would have sustained frontal damage and urged anyone who may have seen the crash or the car to contact them.
The crash scene was closed off and traffic diverted as the area was examined.
North Shore Area Commander Les Paterson said early this morning that the longer it took for the driver to come forward, the more it would look like they have something to hide.
"We couldn't say whether the pedestrian has strayed on to the road or whether the car has strayed off the edge of the road at this point but they obviously know that they've struck somebody," Mr Paterson said.
He said forensic evidence from the car has been recovered from the scene.
Mr Paterson said the 17-year-old hit by the car was on his way home from shift work.
Police still want to hear from anyone with information.
- with NZPA
