Rotorua Police have today charged a man in relation to the death of Michael William Bennett.

Bennett was fatally shot while hunting in the Te Urewera Ranges on December 1, 2023.

"Mr Bennett, aged 63, had been located deceased by a hunting companion and a personal locator beacon was activated at around 2am that day," said a police spokesperson in a statement this afternoon.

A 50-year-old man has been charged with careless use of a firearm causing death and recklessly discharging a firearm.

He is scheduled to appear in Rotorua District Court on Thursday, October 24,

"Police would like to take this opportunity to again extend our condolences to Mr Bennett’s family for their loss."