Case 1: Feature Case - Lawziah Karaitiana Fatal Hit & Run, Castlepoint

At approximately 4:20am on Saturday, May 7th, the opening day of duck shooting season, a driver travelling from Castlepoint towards Masterton on the Castlepoint-Masterton Road came across the body of 20 year old Lawziah Karaitiana near McLaughlin Drive, Tainui. His death has left Lawziah’s whānau and friends reeling.

Lawziah had been out that night with his partner visiting with friends in Mataikona, returning home around 1.30am  He then went for a walk to clear his head after a tough week. This was normal behaviour for Lawziah.

Whānau became concerned when he didn’t return home from his walk and went looking for him.

Police are looking for anyone with any information on vehicle and driver activity on the Masterton-Castlepoint Road between 1:30am and 4:30am on Saturday May 7th.  Based on the evidence police are not saying that this is a deliberate act, but they need to speak with the driver to understand what has happened.

It is believed that key information will come from within the community. If you have seen a change in someone’s behaviour and who may have a damaged car,  Police need to hear from you. If you can help put the pieces together and give Lawziah’s partner and whānau some answers, please contact 0800 107 INFO.