The husband of a former National Party president is dead after he accidentally shot himself on his Taupo farm.
Roger Kirk, 64, was hunting alone yesterday morning when the accident happened.
Mr Kirk is the husband of former National Party president Judy Kirk.
A neighbour who went looking for him after he failed to come home found his body about 11am.
Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce, of Taupo police, said it appeared Mr Kirk accidentally shot himself, possibly during a fall.
Family spokesman Phillip Melchior, Mr Kirk's brother-in-law, said last night: "It feels around here like the sky has fallen in.
"Roger will be remembered as an incredibly warm and vibrant person who was an immense support to [not only] Judy and the family, but anyone who needed his support."
Mr Kirk had a son and two stepchildren, including Taupo District councillor Anna Kirk.
Mr Melchior said Mrs Kirk, who was National Party president between 2002 and 2009, saw her husband yesterday morning before he went hunting. It was one of Mr Kirk's favourite pastimes.
"He was a keen outdoorsman, keen hunter ... It's just a terrible tragedy."
Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper, a friend of the Kirk family, said the death was tragic news.
"I know he was very pedantic on firearms. It's just so sad to have lost such a neat guy."
Mr Cooper said the council would do anything it could to support the family at "this terrible time".
Prime Minister John Key said he counted Mr Kirk as a friend.
"I knew Roger well, and I'm shocked and saddened at his tragic and sudden death."
Mr Pearce said the death had been referred to the coroner.
- Additional reporting: NZPA
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