Woman dead after hunting tragedy

AA woman is dead and a hunter charged after a shooting near Turangi, south of Taupo last night.

Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce said the body of the 25-year-old woman was found after police said ambulance officers were called to the Kaimanawa Ranges about 11pm yesterday.

He said the 25-year-old hunter from Hamilton was with a group of other hunters and did not know the victim whose name would not be released until all her next-of-kin had been informed.

Mr Pearce said the hunter had been charged with careless use of a firearm causing death. He would appear in Taupo District Court on November 3.

He would not release further details, saying the investigation team still had several people to interview and carry out a scene inspection.

A post mortem was likely to be held in Auckland tomorrow.

- NZPA