The search for a Rotorua man who died while out hunting was hampered by atrocious weather, police say
The alarm was raised by two 11-year-old boys who walked out of the Urewera Ranges seeking help for the man who had collapsed in the bush.
Detective Sergeant John Wilson of the Rotorua police said two Search and Rescue operations during the weekend where made difficult because of high winds and torrential rain.
The first was early evening when police were advised by cellphone by three walkers who became lost walking bluffs at the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti.
The trio became lost on the bluffs as darkness fell, Mr Wilson said.
They were reached about 11pm and walked out about 2am.
While out on this job, a call was received about 8pm to say a 52-year-old hunter was in need of help after two 11-year-old boys, who were family of the man, walked out of bush near Ruatahuna, raising the alarm.
Staff and a St John paramedic were diverted to the Urewera Ranges where they were met by locals and taken to the man's location where he had died shortly after collapsing, Mr Wilson said.
"He died of natural causes."
The man's body was removed from bush yesterday afternoon with the help of locals using quad bikes and a 4WD.
Both rescues were hampered by the bad weather, he said.
"Both operations were made more difficult by the atrocious weather conditions experienced overnight with winds and heavy rain."
Police are yet to release the man's name.