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A 39-year-old man faces a firearms charge after the fatal shooting of a man on a hunting trip in Tolaga Bay in the Gisborne region.
On Tuesday night police named the man killed as John Atkins, 44, of Tolaga Bay - a father-of-three being remembered as “the ultimate hunter-gatherer andprovider”.
Detective Inspector Dave de Lange this evening said police had charged a 39-year-old man with unlawful possession of a firearm. He has appeared in the Gisborne District Court and is set to reappear on September 9.
Friends and family have paid tribute to Atkins online, with a former partner and mother to his children saying she would ensure they knew how much he had loved them.
“You have been ripped away from us far too soon, but we will always be proud of you,” Atkins’ former partner said.
“I promise you our kids will grow up remembering how much you loved them and knowing what a truly good man you were. I will be forever thankful for the years we had together.
John Atkins, 44, of Tolaga Bay, was shot and killed on a hunting trip on Tauwhareparae Rd on Saturday.
Another mourner remembered the hunting trips he had taken with Atkins and his positive attitude to life.
“I have some great memories of hunting and diving with you - the ultimate hunter-gatherer and provider for your family and everyone else around you. Your cheeky smile and sharp wit would always bring a smile to my face.
“I will miss you dearly, bro!”
Atkins was flown to Gisborne Hospital after the incident on Saturday night. Emergency services were called to the scene at Tauwhareparea Road at about 10.40pm.
Police said they found a man critically injured from a gunshot wound when they arrived.
A police spokeswoman said police had been speaking to “a number of people” about the incident and were continuing to make inquiries.
The Eastland Rescue Helicopter Trust said a team was dispatched to the incident just after 11pm on Saturday.
The Gisborne Herald was told there were two separate hunting parties in the area of Doonholm Hill, 18km up the Tauwhareparae Road from Tolaga Bay.
One group was in a vehicle spotlighting for possums, and the other party involved the victim of the incident, who was hunting for deer.
John Atkins, 44, leaves behind three children and is being remembered as “the ultimate hunter-gatherer and provider” who had a cheeky smile and sharp wit.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
