Controversy brings probe on hit-and-run death

By Sandra Conchie
Tauranga police will conduct a formal inquiry into the controversial circumstances leading to the hit-and-run death of Peter Simpson on Saturday - even though no complaint has been lodged.
Mr Simpson, 40, from Te Puke, died after he was struck from behind by a car as he and his 17-year-old son Hemi were walking on the left-hand shoulder on State Highway 2, shortly after midnight.
They were about 400m east of the Welcome Bay turnoff on the main road to Te Puke when a Toyota car struck Mr Simpson.
He died at the scene.
Yesterday, Tauranga Senior Sergeant Ian Campion, head of the Western Bay of Plenty strategic traffic unit, told the Bay of Plenty Times he strongly rejected allegations reported in the Herald on Sunday that police refused to give Mr Simpson a ride home before the hit-and-run driver killed him.
Mr Campion said while it was not normal to do so, given the controversy over the issue police now planned to run their own police complaints inquiry.
"We think it is wise to do so but I reiterate that when the immediate family were dealt with following the tragic accident they were happy with the actions police had taken."
He said inquiries showed that police staff acted appropriately and in the best interest of those involved.
A tangi for Mr Simpson, whose body is lying at the Hei Marae in Manoeka Rd in Te Puke, will be held tomorrow.
A relative of the Simpson family spoken to at the marae last night told the Bay of Plenty Times that neither Mr Simpson's family nor his wife Pearl Simpson or her family would make any further comment at this time.
"We are in mourning. Please leave us alone to grieve," she said.
Mr Campion said a 16-year-old Te Puke youth had been spoken to in relation to the fatality but no decisions will be made on what charges would be laid until police inquiries had been completed. This could take several more days, he said.
"We still have to quite a few people to talk to about it."
He said police were still keen to talk to anyone who may have seen the father and son walking along State Highway 2 near Welcome Bay Rd just after midnight on Saturday.
Mr Simpson was wearing a fawn T-shirt and blue jeans, while his son was wearing only a pair of board shorts.
If anyone has any information they should call Tauranga police on 577 4300.