Victim of hit-and-run farewelled

Helvetia Road in Pukekohe, where Vineshwar Singh was killed outside his house on Christmas Eve. Photo / Janna Dixon

As others prepared to celebrate the New Year, the Singh family gathered at a Manurewa beach to scatter the ashes of their loved husband and father who was killed in a hit-and-run.

Vineshwar Singh, 40, was struck down as he crossed Helvetia Rd shortly before midnight on Christmas Eve. The car which hit him did not stop.

The father of two was pronounced dead at 12.05am, just metres from his Pukekohe home.

Police said yesterday that they did not have a description of the car and were appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward.

Mr Singh's father, Kamal Singh, has flown in from Fiji and was yesterday at the family home with friends and family.

Family friend Navin Raj said Mr Singh had been cremated according to Hindu custom and his ashes scattered on the sea.

"He was a fisherman born and bred next to the sea in Fiji," Mr Raj said.

He said the men would not shave until 10 days after the scattering of the ashes.

Family and friends gathered to share kava from Mr Singh's homeland of Fiji. They were preparing to eat a vegetarian meal supplied by friends and family, in accordance with custom.

Asked if the police had been in contact, Mr Raj said: "Honestly, the family do not want to hear at this time, they are in the process of mourning for Vineshwar and they want everything done for Vineshwar first."

Mr Singh is survived by his wife Kirin, daughter Sonan, 16, and son Michael, 12.