Mount Maunganui paragliders halt flights over Mauao as tribute to Josh Tingey

Henry Wotton, Rebecca Wotton, Josh Tingey and Theresa Tingey at the final house auction for Our First Home in 2016. Photo / File

Mount Maunganui hang gliders and paragliders have stopped all flights at Mauao after the tragic death of one of their own.

Paraglider Josh Tingey died after crashing into the mountain on Saturday.

The flights were canned until further notice out of respect for the Tingey family.

Josh Tingey and Bex Wotton planned to marry in May. Photo / Supplied

Tingey, 28, who was a winning contestant on TVNZ's Our First Home, was enjoying his second flight of the day before he collided with the rocky face of Mauao. Loved ones paid tribute to the thrillseeker, describing him as a man who lived life to the full.

Bay of Plenty Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club said its members would not fly over Mauao until further notice out of respect for Tingey, his family, fiancee Bex Wotton and the local iwi.

"We all love and support, and understand that like many other activities there is an element of risk that is sometimes unforgiving," the statement said.

The club was deeply saddened by the loss of "our pilot friend Josh" in what was a tragic incident.

"We wholeheartedly thank the Mount surf club for their immediate reaction and help, all the emergency services who were involved and Victim Support.

"As a club, we are doing all ... we can to support Josh's family, and each other."

The Civil Aviation Authority was investigating the accident along with the NZ Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission was notified by the authority but was not investigating the incident.

A police media spokeswoman said the matter had now been referred to the Coroner.

A death notice for Tingey today reads "now flying free".

A funeral service for Tingey will be held on Saturday at Holy Trinity Church, Tauranga.