The driver of a tanker truck has been left 'severely shaken' following the death of a pedestrian on State Highway 2 near Te Puke overnight.
A 44-year-old man was killed when struck by the truck at Paengaroa about 9pm.
Police Senior Sergeant Glenn Saunders said the pedestrian had been walking with an associate along the road when he was hit. The associate was not physically hurt.
Mr Saunders said the driver of the tanker was left severely shaken.
The section of highway between Te Puke Highway and Wilson Rd South was closed for three hours as police investigated the scene.