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Second man charged after Rotorua man's death in alleged hit-and-run

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June 26, 2025
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Second man charged after Rotorua man's death in alleged hit-and-run

A second person has been arrested and charged in relation to a fatal alleged hit-and-run in Rotorua last week.

A motorcyclist allegedly overtook a stationary vehicle and struck Paige Johnson as he was crossing Edmund Rd in Mangakakahi at around 2.15pm on June 15.

Johnson, who was sight- and hearing-impaired, died in hospital on June 19.

Following a 10-day search and several public appeals for information, police yesterday arrested a 31-year-old man in Hamilton.

He was expected to appear in the Hamilton District Court today charged with manslaughter, failing to stop to ascertain injury or death, and driving while disqualified.

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Police said today a 55-year-old man was also arrested at a Rotorua address yesterday and charged with being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter.

He was also due to appear in the Rotorua District Court today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said the 55-year-old also faced charges unrelated to the fatal crash, alleging staff discovered ammunition, cannabis and stolen property during a search warrant.

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The man was due to appear in the Rotorua District Court today charged with accessory after the fact to manslaughter, as well as unlawful possession of ammunition, cultivating cannabis and receiving property worth more than $1000.

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Paige Johnson, a sight- and hearing-impaired man, died of his injuries in hospital days after the June 15 incident.

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"We know Paige’s death will likely be weighing heavily on this person and it is important that we speak to them to understand the full picture of what occurred."

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Additional images of the motorcyclist involved were released by police today in the hopes community members would recognise them and contact police.

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Van Kempen said: "Once again, we wish to thank the public for the assistance they have provided over the course of this investigation, which has been vital to making the two arrests we have made."

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