Police name couple killed in camp ground shooting

Police on the scene at Maitai Motor Camp, where 2 bodies were found today. Photo / NZPA

Police have identified the couple who died in an apparent murder-suicide after shots were fired at a Nelson camping ground yesterday.

The bodies of Thomas Hiki, 53, and Nicole Jean Barker, 50, were found in a caravan at the Maitai Valley Motor Camp by armed police early yesterday afternoon.

Both appeared to have died from gunshot wounds.

The deaths were being treated as suspicious and police were not seeking anyone else in connection.

Witnesses saw a man carrying a firearm enter a caravan at the camp ground about 11.20am, before hearing screams and two gunshots, The Press reported.

Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne McCoy said the couple had been "trying to have a new life" after moving to Nelson from Christchurch in early March.

Ms Barker had been living in the caravan for several weeks with her seven-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, who had been staying with their father at the time of the shooting.

Police did not yet know if Mr Hiki had been living with her, or if he "just stayed from time to time", Mr McCoy said.

Campers were allowed to return to the camp ground yesterday afternoon, but a cordon and guards remained in place around the caravan overnight.

Forensic experts were examining the caravan, and a post mortem on both bodies would be carried out this afternoon.

The deaths would be referred to the coroner.

It was the second fatal shooting in the Maitai Valley in a year.

In November last year Nelson man Troy Minto, 22, died from a single gunshot blast to the chest in Branford Park, at the entrance to the valley, during a reported argument over a woman.

A man has been charged with his murder.

- NZPA