Police investigating an incident where a woman was found lying on the side of a rural Whangamata road overnight are appealing for people who were driving in the area to come forward.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Freda Grace, says emergency services went to the scene on SH25, Tairua Rd, near the Whangamata sewage treatment ponds about 10pm after family members reported the 65-year-old woman had been injured.

A 65-year-old woman was left lying on the side of the road overnight.

'How the woman suffered the moderate injuries she had sustained is yet to be determined. 'She was flown from the scene by air ambulance to Waikato Hospital.

'The road was closed for about four-and-a-half hours overnight to allow members of the Waikato Serious Crash Unit to conduct a scene examination.

'At this point we are working to piece together what has occurred and we haven't ruled out that she may have been struck by a vehicle.”

Freda says police would like to speak to any motorists who travelled this stretch of SH25 between 8-9pm, who may have seen a woman walking wearing black three-quarter length jogging pants and a pink tee-shirt.

'We would also like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed an incident occur or who saw a dark coloured car, possibly blue or a similar dark colour around this time or anyone who has seen a vehicle suffering damage that could be consistent with having hit someone while being driven.

'Anyone with any information is asked to contact Constable Jayne Dowling at the Whangamata Police Station on: (07) 865 0300.”

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on: 0800 555111.