The man who died after being found critically injured on a Rotorua roadside was “loyal, righteous and stood fearless”, his mother says.

Zain Matenga Taikato-Fox, 20, died in Rotorua Hospital on Saturday night.

He had been taken to hospital by four men who found Taikato-Fox with critical injuries. Police have not released details of exactly where he was found.

His mother has issued a touching message on Facebook, saying her son was taken too soon.

She described him as her biggest blessing and her deepest grief.

She said he always looked out for his own and was never afraid to stand for what mattered.

“Mum will carry you in her heart forever.

“You lived loyal, righteous and stood fearless, and walked your path with mana. You were real. Solid. Proud. And to me, you were everything.”

Others said he held mana, was “fearless to the core” and a loyal friend.

A former teacher described him as having a cheeky smile and a “pleasure to teach”.

Zain Matenga Taikato-Fox, 20, died after he was found on the side of the road with critical injuries.

Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said police were alerted at 7.10pm that the 20-year-old man had been brought to Rotorua Hospital by the men, who had advised hospital staff they had found him injured on a roadside.

He died a short time later.

Police are investigating Taikato-Fox’s death and speaking to the four men.

Police would like to hear from witnesses to any type of motor vehicle incident on Saturday night between 5pm and 7pm on State Highway 33 between Paengaroa and Rotorua.

Anyone with information should call 105 and quote file number 250726/5566.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Rotorua Daily Post has asked police for more information about the case, including specifically where the man was found and why police suspected a motor vehicle incident was involved.

Police retracted an earlier statement that said a homicide investigation had been launched.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.