The man is due to appear in Whakatāne District Court tomorrow.
"Police thank those members of the public who have provided information and CCTV footage to police so far," police said in a statement.
"Anyone who has not yet spoken to Police and has any information which may assist is asked to get in touch by calling 105 and quoting event number P047996952."
River Rd was closed between Ward and Fraser streets for a time while a scene examination was carried out but has since reopened.