Police say the fatal shooting of a South Island farmer while out rabbit hunting appears to be a "tragic accident".
They have ruled out foul play after Piers Throssell, 52, was found dead on his Clarence Valley farm, northeast of Kaikoura, on Sunday night.
Mr Throssell was reported to be an experienced hunter who was very safety conscious. He had set off to go rabbit hunting about 5.30pm on Sunday and concerns were raised about 9pm when he had not returned.
Neighbours found him sitting on his four-wheel motorbike and he appeared to have a bullet wound in the centre of his chest.
Police found Mr Throssell's .22 calibre rifle where it had been placed by one of the people who found him and went to help, Detective Sergeant John Hamilton of Blenheim CIB told NZPA.
"There is nothing to suggest it was anything but a tragic accident," Mr Hamilton said.
Police now had the preliminary results of a post-mortem examination and were pulling together the evidence from an ESR scene examination and speaking with witnesses who searched for Mr Throssell, he said.
It could be some time before the details behind the death could be determined.
"Marlborough is a rural province and there are lots of activities that have an element of risk. What we have found with these investigations is that it's best to take your time and do a thorough examination," Mr Hamilton said.
The death has been referred to the coroner.
Mr Throssell and his wife Joanie bought the sheep and cattle farm in the Clarence Valley in 1996, after moving from England with their four sons.
According to Federated Farmers figures three farmers died from firearms incidents in 2007-08, out of a total of 28 fatal farm accidents.
