“We want to speak with the driver as the information that he has will be vital to our investigation,” he said.
Police were appealing to a “number of people” believed to be at the event at the time of the accident to come forward with any information that might help identify the driver.
Investigators also understood people may have video footage of the incident, but could be facing pressure from others not to speak to police.
“If you have any concerns, you can be assured that your information will be treated with the utmost confidence if you wish,” Burrows said.
Police were supporting the injured man’s family and urged those who attended the event to “do the right thing” and come forward.
“This is a traumatic incident and something that could have so easily been avoided.
“Antisocial road activity is extremely dangerous, whether you are taking part or simply just observing, and this incident should be a reminder of that.”
People with information were urged to call police on the 105 non-emergency line or file a report online, quoting the file number 260822/2821.
Information could also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The incident happened less than two hours before a police officer was critically injured in a separate incident in nearby Palmerson North.
The Palmerston North-based constable was deploying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd about 2am on Saturday when he was struck by a fleeing vehicle and thrown several metres.
He was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition and remains in hospital on a ventilator, although police said today he was stable.
Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the man’s road to recovery would “take some time”.
“He is a great family man. In his mum’s words, he’s a good bloke – and we think so too.
“There is no shortage of love and support pouring in for him; his family are by his side and staying incredibly strong for him, and we’re also doing everything we can to support them as they navigate this awful situation.”
Two teenage boys have since been charged in relation to that incident.
Police told the Herald there was nothing at this stage to suggest the two incidents were related.