Police say a Dargaville man was hit and killed by a car while officers were warning him to get off the road.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Police received a number of calls to tell them a man in dark clothing was walking along the centre of an unlit rural road, swinging a pipe, just after 6pm last night.
As a police car drove past the man, the 21 year old hit the vehicle with a pipe.
Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said officers tried to talk to him, but he refused to move and walked away into the path of an oncoming car.
He was given first aid but died at the scene.
Police are investigating and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and WorkSafe.