Police are now treating the death of a man hit by a car in Waihi overnight as a homicide.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Ambler said a 28-year-old man died on George Street after being hit at 1am today.
Police believe the driver did not stop and then crashed into a fence less than 100 metres up the road, he said.
Speed is not believed to be a factor.
Mr Ambler said the driver and the man knew each other and neither lived in Waihi.
The driver of the car is assisting police with their inquiries.
A post-mortem examination will begin tomorrow morning and police are encouraging anyone who saw a bright blue SS Commodore in the area last night to get in touch.
