Shooting victim named as a former Te Awamutu man
Robert Sidney Horne named by family as Ponsonby Rd shooting victim: Suspect found dead near Taupō
The victim of the Ponsonby Rd shooting in central Auckland on Sunday has been named as former Te Awamutu resident Robert Sidney Horne, aged 33.
Police confirmed his identity yesterday morning.
A Facebook post from a family member said they were feeling “deep sadness”.
“It is with deep sadness we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our son, brother, moko, uncle [and] friend to many,” the Facebook post read.
The long-time close friend of Horne’s, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was a “very likeable guy” and was “loved by everyone”.
He said Horne had a partner and was planning on having children.
“He just had such a big heart,” the man said.
He said he was “hard-working” in his job as a drain layer and in his spare time he enjoyed being in the outdoors, often going hunting, camping, hiking and partaking in various watersports.
“As a person, I have nothing bad to say about him,” the man said.
His colleague said the Covid pandemic had put a real strain on his business, but he remained positive through his hardships.
He said Horne grew up in New Zealand, spent some time in Australia before moving back as he “loved the lifestyle” here.”
He said “he was living the Kiwi dream,” the man said.
A further Facebook past said “Robert will lay at Pārāwera Marae until [today] then will be taken to Ngai Tupoto ki Motukaraka Marae until Saturday then laid to rest at Mātai Urupa.”
Detective Inspector Chris Barry told media the alleged gunman Hone Kay-Selwyn, 31, was found dead in a Broadlands property near Taupō by an associate while police were on their way to speak to him.
“His death is being treated as unexplained,” Barry said.