Police are still in the process of "painting a picture" of what happened when a 21-year-old British exchange student was shot in the head while out rabbit shooting with six others on Saturday.
The man is in critical condition in Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit, as his parents
travel from Britain to be at his side. They will speak to Tokoroa police today.
Detective Sergeant Kevan Verry said it was intended that the injured man's details would be able to be released this afternoon.
"We've spoken to those involved, and they are all co-operating fully and we're painting a picture of what happened that night."
The group were in a utility vehicle, hunting and shooting rabbits under spotlights, when the tragedy happened about 11pm.
Because there was no cellphone coverage, the injured man was driven to a house on the farm, about 10 minutes away.
Mr Verry said two scene examinations were under way. He would not speculate on whether charges were likely. "It really is a tragic accident, it happened in an area where everyone knows everyone."
The Herald understands the shooting happened on the farm of Mark Bernhard and Carol Dryburgh-Bernhard.
Contacted last night, a woman at the address said she had been advised not to make any comment "at this stage", adding that a statement would be made some time today.
It is further understood that property owners had agreed to the group entering the farm for the purpose of hunting, and were not hosting the British man on his farm stay exchange.
