A ‘big man with a big heart' is how Katikati farmer Neil Turner is described by those who knew him best.

Neil, universally known as Noddy, died yesterday while on a hunting and fishing trip with friends in the Doubtful Sounds.

Farmer Neil Turner on his Work Road farm on his 60th birthday.

Police confirmed this morning his body was found in the water of Bradshaw Sound by friends returning from a day's hunting.

President of the Katikati A&P Show Craig Morton says Neil was a stalwart of the Katikati community.

'He never sort the limelight, but worked behind the scenes, including for decades at the A&P Show, making sure things got done, and overseeing the beef section.”

For many years Neil also involved with the Katikati Primary School Calf Club, helping children learn about caring for animals and farming.

'Neil was a big guy, a gruff-looking guy, but a very gentle man, who had a special way with children. Kids just loved him,” says Craig.

Neil and his wife Jenny helped a number of troubled children through the years, giving them the opportunity to experience farming on their Work Road property, says Craig.

'Neil was a good bugger. He'd do anything for anyone – give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He will be sadly missed.”

Rod Calver of the Katikati Hack and Hunters Club says Neil and Jenny had for years been generous in allowing the club members to ride across their farm, and hosting them at the end of the treks.

'Neil was a keen rider himself, and no one could equal his ability to carve up a home-cooked roast to share with guests.

'He had a great sense of humour and was one of life's characters.”

A descendant of one of Katikati's pioneer families, Neil and his wife Jenny own a sheep and beef property in Work Road. Both are well loved and respected members of the Katikati community.

Western Bay Mayor Ross Peterson says Neil was 'an outstanding example of the rugged outdoor personality”.

'Neil had a strong affection for the bush and outdoor pursuits. He loved the sea, the bush and the rivers. That was all part of him.”

It was a tribute to his foresight and conservation ethic that Neil and Jenny have preserved a large stand of native bush on their farm, says Ross.

'The bush was part of Neil's identity. He was not just a farmer, but loved the bush and farmed with and around it and looked after it.”

As a descendant of a Katikati pioneer family, Neil identified with Katikati and was a strong supporter of the community, including the Katikati A&P Show.

'My condolences to Jenny and the Turner family on their sad loss,” says Ross.

Neil was on an extended hunting and fishing trip with friends when he died. It was a trip he had long wanted to do and one he had been immensely enjoying, family say.