A man has been shot and killed in a forestry area at
Kinleith, near Tokoroa.
The shooting occurred about 3.20pm on Tram Road, a
short stretch of rural road in the Kinleith Forest area.
The man was shot on the roadside and died at the scene,
police said. A homicide inquiry has been launched, and the
scene is under police guard.
"It is extremely early in the investigation. The motive for
the shooting is not yet clear and speculation before we know
the facts will not be helpful,'' Detective Inspector Mark
Loper said.
"Our priority at this stage is identifying the man and
notifying and supporting his family.''
Background information from the family will be vital to the
investigation, he said.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to
contact Taupo police on 07 378 6060. Information can also be
provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Rotorua Daily Post reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine, who was
near the scene, said he spoke with a local farmer who heard a
helicopter in the area about 4pm.
Police staff and an ambulance were at the scene.
The roads in the area were blocked, with police manning a
roadblock on the corner of Tram and Tirohanga Rds.
Vehicles were being turned away, with police staff saying the
road was likely to be blocked for a couple of hours.
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