The death of a "popular" and "talented" Auckland Grammar student has left the school community "devastated".
Police confirmed on Sunday that the teenager tragically killed on New Year's Day after being hit by a vehicle at the beach town of Omaha, north of Auckland, was 17-year-old Joshua Hartner.
Hartner was a student at Auckland Grammar School and is being remembered fondly by the school community.
"The Auckland Grammar School community is devastated by the loss of one of our young men, Josh Hartner, and extends its deepest sympathies to his family and friends," Headmaster Tim O'Connor said in a statement provided to Newshub.
"Josh was a popular young man during his four years at Auckland Grammar; a talented design student who embraced life as a proud Grammar boy.
"He was a promising rugby player and a member of the 5A Grammar team. He played social basketball and senior Saturday morning cricket with his good mates and as a talented tennis player he represented the School in a number of Premier tennis fixtures.
"Most importantly, he was a loved son, brother and valued friend. Along with others we are helping support Josh's family and his friends across a number of Auckland secondary schools and feel the heartbreak with them and respect their privacy. "
On Saturday morning, police said emergency services were called at 4am to Omaha Dr where a teenage man had been found dead. The driver was speaking with police, it was said at the time, and the Serious Crash Unit was investigating how the tragedy had occurred.
"The driver and the deceased are known to each other," a police spokesperson said.
In a statement on Sunday, police say Hartner's family was being supported "as they grieve the loss of a dearly loved son and family member".
"They have asked for privacy at this difficult time and have requested that media do not contact them. The crash remains under investigation and no one has been charged at this time. While the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further."
