Family plead for sightings in fatal hit and run

Laura Te Rore got out of a vehicle and was on the road when she was hit by a passing car. Photo/Supplied

A family is calling for the driver of a car that hit and killed their mother near Ohaeawai to come forward.

Laura Te Rore, aged 67, died where she was struck on the outskirts of Ohaeawai on State Highway 12, at about 11pm on Friday night.

Her large family is grieving, not only over Ms Te Rore's sudden and tragic death but because the person responsible did not stop at the scene.

''It's disappointing, devastating, and it could have been avoided,'' her sister Miriama Corbett said.

Ms Te Rore had been a passenger in a vehicle with her sister Miriama, a cousin who was the driver, her brother Ruki and two friends, heading to Kaikohe.

She got out of the vehicle when it stopped and was on the road when she was hit by a passing car.

Police are appealing for sightings of this vehicle. PHOTO/Supplied

Her brother Ruki said the driver must have been aware he had hit Ms Te Rore. The car's lights were still on as it drove away, he said.

Ms Te Rore had seven children, six of whom survive her, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

''Her family was everything to her,'' daughter Louise Porter said.

Also very important in her life was music.

Tonight will be the first time in 17 years the popular singer will not appear at the opening of the annual Hokianga Country Music Festival at Opononi.

Police are appealing for sightings of a car that may have been involved, a silver or grey Toyota Estima or similar.

Detective Treston Laybourn said police have reviewed CCTV footage that shows a car, which may be approximately a 2004 or older model, travelling nearby on SH12 just before Mrs Te Rore was hit.

"We have reason to believe the vehicle will still be in the Kaikohe area and could have damage to its front," Mr Laybourn said.

"If you think you may have seen this vehicle since Friday night, know who the driver was, or have other information which could assist with our investigation, please don't hesitate to contact us.

''We are determined to find the person responsible and hope you might be able to provide information which enables us to do this."

He said officers were supporting the victim's family, who were devastated by her death.

Contact Kaikohe police on (09) 405 2960 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.