Pedestrian hit by car near Taihape

A man has life threatening injuries after being hit by a car last night in the central North Island.

A pedestrian was hit by a car while walking along Mokai Rd in Taoroa, about 25km from Taihape, at about 9:30 last night, said Inspector Lou Alofa.

"Initially it was thought he was on the side of the road, but it isn't clear now. The Serious Crash Unit (SCU) is investigating."

He said the man, age unknown, was taken to hospital via ambulance , he said.

"The man suffered status one injuries. I haven't been told exactly what they consisted of but status one means life threatening injuries."

The SCU were at the scene last night, he said.

The driver of the car walked from the crash unharmed and had been interviewed by the SCU, he said.