A probe into a hit-and-run in the Far North, when a young man was knocked off a dirt bike and killed, is being hindered by a "wall of silence" from witnesses, police say.
Jahkani Hamilton, 18, was found dead on Ngapipito Rd in Kaikohe just after 11pm on May 5 after being knocked off a dirt bike.
Another person, who police said was an associate of Hamilton, was found nearby with serious injuries. They had also been knocked off a dirt bike.
Since then, a "dedicated team" of investigators has been working on the case, trying to piece together what happened before Hamilton was found.
But investigators say they are growing "frustrated" by a "wall of silence".
Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy said witnesses and their supporters were "choosing to say nothing, actively resisting the investigation".
“There are people within the Mid North community that know exactly what’s gone on here, and they are choosing to remain silent,” Fouhy said.
“This is incredibly frustrating for our team, who are working to seek answers on behalf of a grieving whānau.”
Fouhy wanted people to start talking, and warned against hindering the investigation.
“No matter what’s happened, a young person has lost their life, and people need to start talking.
“Misleading police or concealing evidence is a criminal offence, and taking part in this may mean you find yourself being prosecuted.”
He urged anyone with information about what happened to come forward.
“Our investigation won’t be going away.
“Police are committed to finding answers for Jahkani’s whānau, and I acknowledge the patience they have shown in this investigation.”
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