A man is still recovering in hospital after he was found lying on the side of a road, badly beaten by the hitchhiker he picked up.
Police say the driver was assaulted and his car was stolen before 11pm on Sunday night on State Highway 2, north of Wairoa.
He was fortunately spotted by a member of the public after the incident happened.
Senior Sergeant Nick Dobson said police are looking for the hitchhiker responsible for assaulting the man.
He's described as a Maori man, aged in his 40s and possibly has a tattoo on his face. He drove off with the victim's white 2005 Nissan Wingroad, registration number FQL20.
Police are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the car or hitchhiker to call Gisborne Police on (06) 831 0700.
Alternatively, anonymous information can be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
