Australian tourist killed in ‘random’ New Zealand shooting

By MiNDFOOD

An Australian man has been killed and a gunman is still at large following a shooting in Raglan this morning. FILE/REUTERS
An Australian man has been killed and a gunman is still at large following a shooting in Raglan this morning. FILE/REUTERS

An Australian tourist has been killed in a random shooting this morning in New Zealand.

The gunman is still at large and a major manhunt is underway near Hamilton.

The 33-year-old Australian holidaymaker has been named as Sean McKinnon.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white Apollo campervan, registration KWF362. NZ POLICE
Police are appealing for sightings of a white Apollo campervan, registration KWF362. NZ POLICE

McKinnon was gunned down in a campervan near the popular tourist destination of Raglan, in what police are describing as a “random attack” by a sole gunman.

The shooting happened around 3am at the car park next to the Te Toto Gorge lookout, southwest of Raglan.

Police found the man’s body in the abandoned campervan around 8am on Friday morning, about 80km away northeast of Hamilton.

‘Random attack’

According to New Zealand news site Stuff, a gunman “smashed his way” into the campervan where a man and woman were sleeping.

It’s understood the woman managed to flee to safety but the gunman made off in the campervan where the man’s body was still inside.

Later, the Armed Offenders Squad swooped on a vehicle at a sports ground in the suburb of Gordonton, northeast of Hamilton.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as officers surrounded the scene, according to Stuff.

There, police found the man’s body inside the Apollo campervan.

Police confirmed that the gunman responsible is still “outstanding”.

Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said a homicide inquiry was underway and that police were looking for a sole male offender who was likely “known to his community”.

“If you think you have seen this vehicle or have information that may be helpful please contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200,” he said.

Partner ‘ran for help’

According to the New Zealand Herald, the Australian man’s partner was a 32-year-old Canadian.

It’s understood she ran “several kilometres” to raise the alarm.

“We are supporting the female victim who is understandably very shocked and distressed, providing her with the support and welfare she needs,” Pitkethley said.

Police are also appealing to the public for sightings of the stolen campervan.

It is a white 2017 Toyota Hiace ZL, registration KWF362, which was travelling between Raglan and Gordonton before 8am.

The Herald also reports that the couple awoke to banging on the window and a man demanding keys to their campervan.

It’s understood the man was shot more than once as his terrified partner managed to escape.

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