The man who crashed his 4WD into a power pole, forcing the closure of State Highway 2 this morning, allegedly ran from the scene and attempted to hitch a ride with other drivers.
The crash caused power lines to fall over the highway at the Wharawhara Rd intersection near Katikati just after 8am.
Power was knocked out to the township, sending the main street shops into darkness.
A NZTA spokeswoman said the highway has since re-opened but advised delays could be possible as the area around the power pole was cordoned off and a slower speed zone was in place until repairs can be made.
Katikati volunteer fire brigade station officer Brendan Gibbs said the driver came out of Wharawhara Rd and lost control of the vehicle, sliding into the pole.