Man charged after hit and run death

Police are appealing for witnesses after a wedding guest was hit by a car and left near death on Marychurch Rd in Matangi, south of Hamilton. Photo / Christine Cornege

A man will appear in court this week charged over an alleged hit and run that killed a wedding guest near Hamilton early yesterday.

Police investigating the death of 26-year-old Hastings electrician William Hoskins, said they had spoken to a couple over the incident and a 47-year-old local man had been charged with careless driving causing death.

He would appear in Hamilton District Court on Friday.

Mr Hoskins was found in a critical condition by a passing motorist near the gate of a wedding venue in Matangi, south of Hamilton, at 4.45am yesterday. He died soon after.

"There has been a significant impact and the driver of the vehicle would be in no doubt that they have hit something.''

Tributes to Mr Hoskins were posted by friends on his Facebook page.

"R.I.P William Gregory Hoskins. Unbelievable! You have created so many lasting memories with everyone you meet, we will all miss you. You were always out to help everyone, before you helped yourself, we didn't need to lose you. R.I.P,'' said Nelly Smith.

"Memories will be there forever, taken way to early we will meet again. My thoughts go out to your family. Love you my bro xxxx,'' said Blake Mulholland.

Police said Mr Hoskins was a guest at one of two wedding functions being held within 100m of each other near where he was found on Marychurch Road.