To be attributed to Acting Inspector Andy King, Relieving Area Commander, Orewa Police
At 1.33pm today Police were called to Hillary Square in Orewa.
An elderly woman who was crossing the road had been hit by a van.
The driver stopped immediately. Bystanders assisted Police and Ambulance to provide first aid but sadly, the woman died at the scene.
A section of the road has been cordoned off this afternoon as the Waitemata Serious Crash Unit carry out a scene examination.
At this stage it appears that the driver of the van was leaving the Hillary Square carpark and turned right onto the road. It appears that the vehicle has struck the lady as she was crossing the road.
A number of people witnessed the incident and Police officers have taken statements from them. They have been offered the services of Victim Support.
The driver is very shaken and is speaking with Police.
A local Kaumatua has just blessed the scene and the road will reopen shortly.
The victim's immediate next of kin have been informed however the woman's name will not be released today. Police and Victim Support are assisting the woman's family.
An investigation into the crash is now underway and this will take some weeks. Until this is complete Police are not in a position to make any comment about whether or not any charges will be laid.
ENDS
Beth Bates/Waitemata Police