The Urewera Ranges are known for their inaccessibility and beauty. Photo:
A hunter has been shot and killed in the Urewera Ranges, sparking a police investigation.
A personal locator beacon was set off near the small town of Ruatāhuna about 2am on Friday 1 December, police said.
When responders arrived, they found a 63-year-old Paeroa man dead.
"Police are speaking with a man who is assisting with our enquiries, who is not thought to be known to the deceased," police said in a statement.
A scene examination was conducted at the site and a post mortem examination had been carried out
No charges had been laid and there had been no arrests, but police would continue to make enquiries.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time, and we are working hard to determine exactly what occurred," police said.
They issued a reminder of the essential rules of firearm safety, for anyone who owned or used firearms:
- Always treat your firearm as loaded
- Always point firearms in a safe direction
- Chamber your cartridge only when you are shooting
- Identify your target beyond all doubt
- Check your firing zone
- Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely
- Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms
