By ELIZABETH BINNING
The two Hamilton men seriously injured in a pipebomb explosion had been experimenting so they could blast tree stumps.
Detective Sergeant Michele Moore said police had ruled out any sinister motives surrounding Tuesday's explosion near Taupiri, which left the men needing surgery.
"They were experimenting making explosives to blow
up tree stumps."
The blast happened shortly after the two men arrived at a secluded picnic spot at the end of Old Rd in Orini.
They were sitting inside a white van when one of two homemade pipebombs went off, sending shrapnel into the roof and windscreen.
One of the men lost several fingers and suffered serious leg injuries. His companion was hit in the arm.
The Navy bomb squad later detonated a second device.
Police refuse to comment on what explosives were used in the bombs or how they were made, but witnesses said one of the men talked about dynamite after the accident.
It is illegal to possess any kind of explosives without a permit.
But Ms Moore said the men were entitled to have the materials and it was too early to say if they would face charges.
She said the incident was a reminder that explosives should be handled with care, regardless of whether a permit had been granted.
""The handling of any explosive should only be undertaken by those with appropriate training."
The men, aged 22 and 26, remain in Waikato Hospital, where they have undergone surgery.
They are both in a stable condition but police say their names will not be released this week.
Police inquiries are continuing.
Forensic scientists looked at the van for the first time yesterday.
