12 Mar 2022

Police appeal for video footage of assault on Waikato Expressway

6:36 pm on 12 March 2022

A man who was seriously assaulted on the Waikato Expressway yesterday is in a critical but stable condition in hospital, police say.

Waikato Expressway

Photo: Supplied / NZTA

Police were called to the expressway south of Rangiri around 4.45pm yesterday.

It was earlier reported that the man had been dragged from his vehicle in the incident, however police now say that did not occur.

"We now understand he stopped his vehicle and got out of it immediately prior to being assaulted by a group of people," Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said in a statement.

Police also confirmed that no firearms were involved in the incident and said their investigations were continuing.

"We are working hard to piece together what happened prior to our victim being assaulted, and to ultimately identify those directly involved."

They thanked members of the public who had already shared footage of the incident with police.

Patterson said while investigators were reviewing information provided by the community so far, police wanted to ensure they had access to as much footage as possible.

"If you've not done so, please take a few minutes to upload what you captured on either your phone or dashcam."

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 105 and quote file number 220311/5636. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police say any electronic recordings of the event can be uploaded via this link.