Police have released the name of a young hunter fatally shot in Tongariro National Park yesterday, the second such hunting accident in just over a week.
He was Hamish Harland, 26, of National Park.
His death follows that of Peter McIntyre, of Mangawhai, near Wellsford, who was accidentally shot in the Ureweras
last Thursday. His shooting companion ran through the night to alert emergency services.
Taupo police said Mr Harland and his companion went into Tongariro National Park yesterday morning for a day hunt on the southern slopes of Tihia, overlooking Lake Rotoaira.
The shooting happened about midday, but it was 3pm before Mr Harland's companion managed to walk out and alert police.
A rescue helicopter flew into the area about 4.30pm, but could not spot the dead man, so his companion walked Turangi and Taupo police into the bush and found the body.
Police were investigating the shooting and the coroner has been notified.
The tally of hunting accidents over the past 10 days has now reached four, with two earlier incidents where hunters were injured.
On Thursday, a 17-year-old was shot in the hip while he was shooting with a friend on a property near Erewhon Station, 100km northwest of Ashburton.
And on Wednesday, a Southland man was hospitalised after being accidentally shot while hunting in Fiordland.
- NZPA
