Body of hunter removed from Aorangi Forest Park near Wairarapa

The body of a hunter fatally shot in the Aorangi Forest Park, near Pirinoa, yesterday has been removed from the scene a short time ago.

Shortly before 2pm yesterday, a 59 year old man phoned Police to say he believed his hunting companion, a man in his late 20’s, had been fatally shot.

Officer in charge of the Wairarapa CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Sean Hansen says the body of the deceased will be transported to Palmerston North tomorrow morning for a post-mortem examination to be carried out.

“We will be in a position to release the name of the deceased tomorrow morning, once a formal identification has been carried out.”

Sean Hansen says, “Police would still like to hear from any hunters who were in the same part of the Aorangi Forest Park yesterday. I’d urge those hunters to come forward and speak with Police as soon as possible.”

No one has been charged in connection to this man’s death at this stage.

“This man’s death is a tragedy and a sad reminder to everyone to take extreme caution when out hunting, ensuring the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council’s Firearms Safety Code is adhered to at all times. That includes identifying your target beyond all doubt.”

For further information and safety tips, go to:
www.mountainsafety.org.nz