A trust in honour of James Dodds, the mountain biker who died in a hunting accident, could be set up as a way to remember and pay tribute to a man who made a huge impact on those who knew him.
James Dodds, 30, affectionately known as "Dodzy", was shot while out hunting with a friend on Friday morning and police say the tragedy is a harsh reminder to hunters to properly identify their target.
Police removed his body from bush in Waikite Valley on Saturday morning.
Mr Dodds was a top mountain bike rider, trail and bike designer and builder and a highly regarded skills teacher.
Facebook tributes hail him as a sporting mentor to many.
Life member of the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club and Rotorua district councillor Dave Donaldson said some club members had talked about a trust in honour of Mr Dodds.
However, Mr Donaldson said it was only an idea at this stage as they still had to discuss it with his family.
He said the trust was discussed as a way to pay tribute and remember Mr Dodds.
Friends Gary Sullivan and Jeff Carter said his death was a terrible shock which was still sinking in.
"The two families involved in this tragedy both know each other well and are supporting one another. There is no animosity held," they said.
"We will all get through this together with the support of family and close friends.
"Both men are well liked and well respected in the mountain biking and outdoor community both locally and internationally.
"Dodzy's partner Gabby [Gabrielle] has said her Facebook comments express how she feels. That is her statement and her tribute.
"Within hours of Mr Dodds' death, dozens of messages of sympathy and support were left on the couple's ... Facebook pages.
"Mr Dodds' family was still still travelling to New Zealand from overseas and we ask that everyone be given space at this very difficult time."
Mr Dodds' body was removed from the bush by Search and Rescue staff and a rescue helicopter at 8.15 on Saturday morning.
Staff involved described this as a difficult operation which took place in dense bush and steep terrain.
The body was flown to Rotorua Hospital before being transported to Auckland so a post mortem examination could be carried out.
Inspector Bruce Horne, Area Commander, Rotorua, said the police scene examination had been completed but the investigation into the death was far from over as CIB staff still had a lot of work ahead of them.
"The firearms involved and some other items will require forensic testing," he said.
"Over the next few days we will be reviewing all of the evidence, including information from witnesses and the outcome of the post mortem examination to reconstruct the event and develop a full understanding of what occurred.
"Our investigation will be thorough and will take some time. It is important to approach these cases with an open mind and make decisions based on the evidence."
Mr Horne described the' death as "an absolute tragedy' but said it should act as a reminder about safety when hunting.
"This case is also a harsh reminder of the critical importance of hunters ensuring they positively identify their target beyond any doubt before they shoot."