Police in Masterton are appealing for the driver of a vehicle which hit and killed Lawziah Karaitiana in the early hours of last Saturday morning to come forward.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Karaitiana, 20, was found on Castlepoint Road near McLaughlin Drive at about 4.30am on Saturday.
Police want to hear from anyone who was travelling in the area at that time who can help them identify the driver of the vehicle that struck Karaitiana.
They also want to speak to anyone who drove past McLaughlin Drive between 1.30am and 4.30am last Saturday, to eliminate them from their enquiries.
"I firmly believe that the person who was driving this vehicle knew they had struck someone at the time of the incident," Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said in a statement.
"To that person - I ask you to dig deep, unburden yourself by coming forward and speaking with police."
Police would like to hear from anyone who lives in the area who may have noticed recent damage to a vehicle or suspicious activity.
"You may have a small piece of the puzzle which ends up being the critical information we need to identify the vehicle involved, or the person who was driving at the time," Bysouth said.
Anyone with information on the incident can call 105 and quote case number 220507/6865 or give information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.