Waikato Police are investigating after a meter-reader was found critically injured in Kihikihi yesterday.
Emergency services were called at 4.35pm after the man, who was carrying out meter readings, was found with a serious head injury on Oliver Street.
He was transported to Waikato Hospital and is in a critical condition, police said in a statement.
The man's red Daihatsu Terios was stolen from the road, and later found on fire on Kawhia Road, near the turnoff to State Highway 39 south of Pirongia.
Police said they believed the person or people who stole the man's vehicle were also responsible for the man's injuries.
A scene examination was ongoing at a number of locations of interest, including Oliver Street, police said.
Police wanted to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time the man was found or may have seen his vehicle between 4.30pm and 6pm on 5 January.
Police are also asking for any CCTV or dashcam footage from in and around Oliver Street as well as sightings of another possible vehicle of interest - a silver Nissan Primera, registration DHA220 - seen on 5 January.
Anyone with information can contact police on 105 or online at Update My Report, referencing file number 230105/8487.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
RNZ
