A young girl has died after an alleged hit-and-run on the suburban streets of Opotiki in the early hours of the morning.
It is understood the girl was 14 years old.
Police Inspector Willy Taylor said the female died after being struck by a car when she was trying to cross Goring St in central Opotiki about 3.45am.
He said the girl was found unconscious and was unable to be resuscitated.
A full police investigation would go ahead and police were still notifying next of kin, he said.
Further details could not be released.
"We do know that she was attempting to cross the road, we're unsure what condition she was in while she was doing that because we're still speaking to witnesses."
The Opotiki Fire Service and St John ambulance attended the incident.
Goring St resident Lynn Roberts said she understood police were looking for the driver of the vehicle.
It was Opotiki College's ball night on Saturday - a huge event for the whole town - and a number of empty alcohol bottles were littered along her street this morning, she said.
"She was walking in a group...it was a hit and run. It's a disaster. It's really tragic," Ms Roberts said.
"It was ball night last night, it's pretty much a town thing, it's a big deal. There were parties everywhere. People put a lot into it, they really make a big deal of it."
Opotiki mayor John Forbes said his thoughts were with the girl's family.
"All I can say is my condolences go to the family. That's really, really sad. I'm just disappointed," he said.
A Goring St resident said he had heard from neighbours that a team of workers was clearing the scene and washing the road.
Jan Paul, of Goring St, also said the police were still at the scene.
It was one of three serious crashes overnight with three other people being taken to hospital.
At 5.40am, one person was taken to North Shore Hospital in a serious condition after a crash in Kumeu.
Two people, one in a serious condition, were taken to Middlemore Hospital after a crash about 11pm last night in South Auckland, St John said.
- By Lauren Priestley of NZME News Service
