Police said they received multiple reports of other large groups of anti-social road users in Hamilton, Waikato. Photo: RNZ
Police have launched a "significant" investigation after hundreds of cars congregated in Hamilton over the weekend.
During the gathering, one person was seriously injured after being struck by a car doing burnouts.
Police were called to Airport Road on Saturday night where approximately 300 cars were said to be congregating, with around 20 cars performing skids on the road.
Police said they received multiple reports of other large groups of anti-social road users at other locations around the city and outlying areas.
"In one of these instances, a man was struck by a car doing burnouts on Horotiu Bridge Road at around 12.45am," Inspector Jeff Penno said.
"The driver of the vehicle immediately fled the scene, without stopping to provide assistance to the injured man."
The man was taken to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
Police have launched a "significant" investigation into the gathering, and have since arrested and charged a 20-year-old man. They do not rule out further arrests.
The man has been remanded on bail and is due to reappear in Hamilton District Court on Friday, charged with operating a vehicle in a manner to cause sustained loss of traction causing injury, and failing to stop to ascertain injury.
The vehicle used to conduct anti-social road user behaviour was impounded for 28 days, and was issued a non-operation order, ordering the vehicle off the road.
"Police have sourced and reviewed relevant CCTV and online footage, and will continue to identify and locate anyone we can identify committing offences," Penno said.
Anyone with any information that could assist their investigation is urged to contact Police via 105 and reference Operation Shadow.
