Report: Child allegedly fired fatal shot during hunting trip in Tolaga Bay, father charged

Stuff reported that the man was the father of the child.

Meanwhile, the victim is being fondly remembered online by his former partner and the mother of his children, who promised that she would make sure her children knew how much he loved them.

“You were taken from us far too soon, but we will always be proud of you,” said Atkins' former partner.

“I promise you that our children will grow up remembering how much you loved them and knowing what a truly good person you were. I will be eternally grateful for the years we had together.

“Rest in love, John.”

The Gisborne Herald It was reported that two separate hunting parties were in the Doonholm Hill area on the night of the incident.

One group was looking for opossums from a vehicle using spotlights, while the other group, including Atkins, was hunting deer.