Man charged over fatal hit and run

Photo / File

A man has appeared in court after being charged by police investigating a fatal hit-and-run in the Auckland suburb of Waterview early yesterday.

The 24-year-old from Pt Chevalier has been charged with assault after 30-year-old Avondale resident Uilisuni Ofa, 30, was hit and killed by a car on Great South Rd about 1.20am.

Auckland District Court judge David Harvey granted the accused interim name suppression until tomorrow after his lawyer, John Kovacevich, requested time to inform the man's 72-year-old father about the allegations.

Judge Harvey said the assault charge was "essentially a holding charge'' and more serious charges were likely.

He granted interim name suppression for "compassionate'' reasons to spare the man's family the shock of finding out about the allegations through the media.

The man was remanded in custody and is to appear again tomorrow when he is expected to apply for bail.

The vehicle police believe to have been involved was found at a Pt Chevalier address yesterday afternoon and is undergoing forensic examination.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Nina Pederson said police still want to speak to any passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash - possibly two or more - and encouraged them to contact police.