An off-duty police officer who died after being hit by a car is being remembered as a "genuine soul".
The woman was walking her dogs on Saturday afternoon when she was struck in Helena Bay, north of Whangārei, police said.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Webb Road and Russell Road about 3.15pm.
Police said the car left the road and crashed into a power pole before hitting a pedestrian, who died at the scene.
The driver sustained minor injuries.
The police officer, a constable based in the Far North, has been remembered by whānau and workmates as "instrumental" in the Te Tai Tokerau community.
"A person who was true to herself and stood up for what she believed in and loved her family more than anything in the world," one social media post read.
"A genuine soul that will be sadly missed by us ... and all those who worked with her."
The officer was a loving mother and grandmother, her whānau said.
A message posted online on behalf of her daughter read: "I will love you and will miss you forever and always."
A police spokesperson said their hearts went out to the officer's family and friends, who were receiving support.
"Their passing is a tragic loss for our community and the impact will be keenly felt.
"We are working to ensure our staff can access the support they need at this difficult time."
The name of the officer has not yet been released by police.
RNZ
