SH27 fatal name release

Waikato Police investigating the death of a man on a road outside Matamata this morning are appealing for witnesses.

Newton Matea Phillip MITCHELL, 33, died when he lost control of his car on a straight piece of road on SH27 south of Matamata about 11am.

Sergeant Graham McGurk of the Matamata Police said the Putaruru man's silver Nissan Primera let the road, smashed through a solid wooden fence and came to rest in a hedgerow about 60m in a paddock.

"A preliminary crash investigation leads us to believe Mr MITCHELL has died after being struck by a post from the fence as his car careered through the paddock.

"One of the things we're yet to establish is the exact time of the crash as no one has reported actually seeing it happen and we believe a number of cars may have driven past the scene with drivers unaware of what has happened."

Mr McGurk said the crash happened 2-3km south of the racecourse on a straight piece of road during a period of heavy rain.

"Crash investigators have said it may have been a case of him over-correcting a mistake, it's certainly a reminder for drivers to ensure they drive to the conditions," he said.

Police want to hear from anyone who may recall travelling behind Mr MITCHELL'S silver Nissan Primera, registration CEP388 or recalls passing the car in the paddock.

Anyone with any information on the crash is asked to contact Mr McGurk on 07 8887117.