Pedestrian injured in hit and run beside beach

An Otaki Beach pedestrian is in Palmerston North Hospital today with serious neck injuries after being struck by a car in a hit and run incident last night.

The 40-year-old man was walking on the roadside about 12.20am when he was hit by a passing car.

The Palmerston North-based Square Trust Rescue Helicopter said today the vehicle had driven through several fences, rolled into the Rangiuru Stream and ended up on its side.

The pedestrian was treated at the scene by St John ambulance before being flown by the helicopter to hospital.


A 23-year-old Otaki man arrested about 6am today will appear in Levin District Court later.


He will face a charge of driving causing injury but further charges were likely to follow, Sergeant Brian Yanko, of Levin police, said.


- NZPA