As summer nears and more people head into the outdoors, Police are urging hunters and shooters to make sure that firearms safety is their top priority following recent tragedies.
The call echoes those made by the Mountain Safety Council as Police investigate two tragic deaths in hunting-related incidents in the Bay of Plenty in the last week. This includes the death of an 11-year old boy in the Kaiangaroa Forest last Sunday, and the death of a 27-year-old man in Te Kaha yesterday. Also under Police investigation is a near miss involing a stray bullet striking a caravan at a camp ground near Cromwell earlier this month.
"These incidents are a tragic reminder of the risks and the potential for things to go very wrong, very quickly, whenever handling firearms, and our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones," says National Manager Response and Operations, Superintendent Chris Scahill.
"That's why both Police and the MSC are urging everyone going hunting or shooting to take particular care and ensure they follow the firearms safety rules whenever heading into the outdoors.
"And with with the improving weather and longer daylight hours, many others, including trampers, walkers and track workers, are also also out and about, so it's incumbent on all firearms users to ensure the safe and responsible use of any firearm, as the last thing we want is to be dealing with another tragedy.
"This includes following basic but vital safety practices, such as treating every firearm as loaded, pointing firearms in a safe direction, only loading when ready to fire, and identifying your target beyond all doubt.
"We want everyone to continue to enjoy the outdoors this summer without any further incidents."
ENDS
Media contact: Ross Henderson, PNHQ Public Affairs, ph 04 470 7316.