Farewell to Joshua on Friday

Josh Hill, right, pictured here with father Hunter and brother Stave.

The mother of the 21-year-old Wanganui man killed in a hunting accident says he "would be devastated to be the cause of our pain".

Joshua Hunter Hill was killed carrying a gun over a fence at Ruatiti near Raetihi on Sunday, police have said.

Mr Hill was out hunting with friends.

He was a member of the RNZAF based at Ohakea and a former student of Aranui School, St Marcellin School and Wanganui High School.

Mum Judy Hill said her son's death was a tragic accident that should not have happened because he was trained in the use of firearms. He had a gun licence and was trained by the military.

"He would not have wished to do anything to hurt his family and I know he would be devastated to be the cause of our pain.

"We are so proud of him, he was a credit to us and he loved his life - he was always doing lots of things."

Mrs Hill said her son was a keen rugby player and always had a lot of friends.

"When he moved to the base at Ohakea, I not only missed him - I missed his friends as well.

Mrs Hill said the family are grateful for the support of the RNZAF - Joshua's brother Stave is also an airman, who was training in Auckland when he heard of his sibling's death.

"They organised a flight to bring him home to be with his family and I am very glad he is here with me and his dad Hunter, brother Sam and Josh's partner Elise."

The family will hold a service at their home in Longbeach Drive on Friday.