Police said a post-mortem examination is to be carried out today.
Bright said detectives are still working through speaking with "a large number" of people to figure out the circumstances of the incident.
A number of vehicles have also been seized as part of the investigation, she said.
Locals are told to expect police presence in the area over the coming days, police said.
Armed police at the scene of a suspected hit and run incident on Thomas Rd, Mangere.
"I would like to reassure the Māngere community that Police are taking the incident seriously..."
The arrest comes after police were called to Thomas Rd just before 12pm yesterday, after reports a man had been hit by a vehicle which then allegedly left the area immediately afterwards.
Streets in the south Auckland suburb were cordoned off for much of the afternoon.
Armed police were posted Pukaki Rd, about five minutes down Massey Rd from the scene of the incident.
One witness saw up to 20-30 people restrained across two scenes, amid a heavy police presence of about 15-20 officers.
Another witnessed described seeing two men smashing a car on Thomas Rd.
