A Squadron Leader of the Royal New Zealand Air Force has confirmed the name of the 21-year-old who was fatally shot while out hunting with friends.
Royal NZ Air Force Squadron Leader Lyn Coromandel confirmed Joshua Hunter Hill was the man who accidentally shot himself on Sunday.
"The person we are talking about is aircraftman Joshua Hunter Hill and he is the person who accidentally shot himself in a hunting accident in the vicinity of Raetihi."
It is believed Mr Hill's firearm had discharged as he was crossing a fence and he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his chest.
He was part of a three-person hunting group on farmland in Ruatiti near Raetihi.
Police were called at about 4.30pm on Sunday to the incident.
Emergency services including a rescue helicopter provided medical assistance but unfortunately Mr Hill died.
Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.
Tributes have been flowing in on social media for the youngster who was a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force carrying the rank of aircraftman.
Facebook user Brandon Jackson wrote, "Can't get my head around how people who deserve the world, have it taken away from them so young... You will be forever missed you daring bastard. I'm sure the big fella upstairs welcomed you with open arms as you deserve. Ride in peace and keep an eye out on the rest of us. Josh Hill you absolute legend."
Another Facebook user wrote, "Going to miss you mate, will never forget that smile! Rest in peace brother".
Tyler Bouman wrote, "Josh Hill you were such a good mate these last three years. We will all miss your banter, rest in peace man".
This was the second fatal hunting accident to occur on Mothers Day.
James Ross Bucko Johnston, aged 15, accidentally shot himself while out duck shooting with two friends.
Jamie was in Matata, near Whakatane, on Sunday morning when a firearm was discharged. He was hit and died at the scene.
Eastern Bay of Plenty police Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said police had completed initial investigations and would be working with the families involved over the ensuing days to provide the appropriate support.
"This was a tragic incident and we urge all firearms users to please take extra care, as we don't want to see any more tragedies this season."
Mountain Safety Council executive Nicole McKee labelled the two deaths "devastating" and "completely unnecessary".
She said all hunters were told to completely unload their firearms before crossing fences and other obstacles.
There were seven rules for firearms safety, and almost all firearms fatalities could be traced back to one rule being broken.
The duck hunting season began on May 2 and two men suffered gunshot wounds that day.
A 24-year-old was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital with a serious arm injury in Otago when a weapon accidentally went off, and a 30-year-old man was driven to Gore Hospital by his friends after being struck in the eye near Waikaia, Southland.
- Regan Schoultz of NZME. News Service
