A retired pilot died after being hit by a car as he checked his mail yesterday morning.
Arthur Maldwyn Rowlands, 76, suffered fatal head injuries at Ohoka, north of Christchurch, about 8.50am.
A neighbour said Rowlands' wife supported him before help arrived.
Margaret Bean, a friend, said Rowlands used to be a commercial airline pilot.
They were both members of the New Zealand Cat Fancy and Rowlands used to breed Burmese cats.
