The Defence Force has released the name of the air force flight sergeant killed at Waiouru Military Camp in the central North Island today.
Flight Sergeant Andrew Bruce Forster, 46, a member of the Defence Force explosives ordnance disposal squadron, was killed by an artillery round being marked for disposal.
"There will be a full inquiry but he was essentially marking munitions for later disposal, which is an inherently dangerous task," Defence Minister Wayne Mapp told reporters.
"It was an unexploded artillery round...my understanding is that he was killed instantly."
Another Defence Force member was lightly injured and was taken to hospital, Dr Mapp said.
Mr Forster, who had been in the air force for about 20 years, was a member of a tri-service squadron, Dr Mapp said.
"They receive a very high level of training but it is an inherently dangerous job," he said.
"Everyone volunteers for it."
Prime Minister John Key has sent his condolences to Mr Forster's family.
"The brave men and women of the New Zealand military constantly threaten their lives they go about their duties and it's a tragic case when a New Zealander is lost in the service of their country and that's the situation today," Mr Key said.
Squadron leader Kavae Tamariki earlier said the person died during a "standard exercise" and another person had minor injuries.
He said an investigation was under way into how the explosion happened.
Newstalk ZB reported that the blast occurred about 9.30am.
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF
