Whangamatā man Sean Kavanagh admits causing Paeroa man Michael Bennett’s death

Sean Kavanagh appears in the Rotorua District Court and pleads guilty to careless use of a firearm causing death. Photo / Kelly Makiha

A Whangamatā man has admitted he carelessly fired a rifle and caused the death of a man while hunting near Murupara in December last year.

Sean Joseph Paul Kavanagh, 50, appeared in the Rotorua District Court today before Judge David Cameron and pleaded guilty to causing the death of Michael William Bennett by carelessly using a firearm, namely a Sako .308 calibre hunting rifle, on December 1 last year.

Bennett, a 63-year-old Paeroa business owner and hunter, died in the hunting incident.

Kavanagh faces a maximum penalty of three years in jail or a $4000 fine.

He was remanded on bail to reappear in court on March 26. Andy Hill appeared for Kavanagh and Crown Solicitor Amanda Gordon appeared for the Crown.

Police have previously said Bennett was found dead by a hunting companion in Te Urewera.

He was a Paeroa construction business owner and ran for the Hauraki District Council in 2022.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.