Boy, 16, killed in duck-hunting tragedy

Whakatane CIB are investigating the death. Photo / File

The principal of the school attended by a 16-year-old who was shot while duck hunting says they are mourning the loss of one of its students.

The teenager, a student at Trident High School, was with two other teenage boys duck hunting in Matata yesterday morning when a firearm was discharged. He was hit and died at the scene.

Trident High School principal Philip Gurney said the school were grieving but were receiving support from the Ministry of Education.

"Trident High School staff and students are mourning the loss of one of our students who was involved in a tragic hunting accident over the weekend.

"The School has been supported by the Ministry of Education Trauma team and supports are in place for both students and staff.

At this time we would like to respect the family's privacy and make no further comment." Whakatane CIB are investigating the death.