A German tourist who was shot while on a hunting trip near Gisborne has been transferred to Auckland Hospital for specialist treatment.
Police said the 23-year-old man was shot in the chest from close range with a high-powered rifle on Tuesday afternoon, while hunting goats with a group of friends in the Waihirere rural area.
His companions took him to Gisborne Hospital where he had emergency surgery. He was transferred to Auckland Hospital overnight.
Police said the man is holidaying in New Zealand and Interpol have been asked to contact his family in Germany.
They said they had recovered the gun and were not looking for anyone in connection with the shooting.
Mountain Safety Council spokesperson Nicole McKee said hunters must always identify their target and check what is between them and the target and beyond it.
