Family of cyclist who died in Rotorua made worried call

Emergency services at the scene on Haupapa St. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

When Willie Tonihi didn't return home from his daily bike around town by 6pm, his nephew knew something wasn't quite right so gave him a call.

A police officer answered the phone and broke the news to him that his uncle had been found dead on a central Rotorua street.

Mr Tonihi, 57, was found unresponsive by a member of the public just after 5pm on Sunday on Haupapa St.

St John paramedics performed CPR on him for about 30 minutes before he was declared dead.

His niece, Kelly Tonihi-Kinita, told the Rotorua Daily Post her uncle's death was a big shock to their family.

She said he had left his Western Heights home where he lived with family early that morning on his usual bike ride into town, but he would always return by late afternoon.

An autopsy was carried out on his body yesterdaybut the results were undetermined, she said. Police have said his death was not considered suspicious and was likely to be a medical event.

Tonihi-Kinita said more tests would be done to hopefully determine what happened.

She said her uncle did not have children but loved his nieces and nephews, treating them like his own.

"It's a complete surprise to us because he was never sick. He had back problems which was why he was unable to maintain a job. He found great enjoyment just being out on his bike ... He would have a routine, he'd get up and have his tea, get himself prepared and head out. He was in good spirits the morning he left."

She said the family's only comfort was knowing he was now with his beloved mother, who died several years ago.

"He was always Nan and Koro's baby and a mummy's boy."