An Eastern Bay of Plenty school will close on Thursday to remember the life of a 15-year-old student killed in a duck shooting incident at the weekend.

James Ross Bucko Johnston died after the gun he was using accidentally fired, killing him while he was out duck hunting in the rural farmland area of Thornton, about 8am on Sunday.

James Johnston was killed in a duck shooting accident on Sunday.

On Monday the teen's father Colin Johnston said the family were in shock after the accident that had claimed the life of a 'well-loved, popular and experienced” duck shooter.

'He loved life, he loved duck shooting, and had lots of friends,” says Colin.

The incident happened just hours before another 21-year-old Feilding man died when his firearm went off as he climbed a fence while out deer hunting with friends in the central North Island.

The man, whose name is yet to be released by police, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest at about 4.30pm on Sunday and he could not be saved by emergency services.

On Thursday family and friends of Jamie will gather at Trident High School auditorium to farewell the teen.

In a newsletter sent to parents, principal Philip Gurney said the school would close for the day to allow the Trident community, and wider community to attend Jamie's funeral at 11am.

'It is with deep sorrow and sadness that Jamie Johnston in Year 11 passed away during a hunting trip on Sunday. Jamie was a well-loved, respected student, friend and sportsman to so many, and his loss will be deeply felt by both students and staff.”

The Ministry of Education trauma team had visited the school and senior management, councillors, deans and teachers would be offering support to students who can seek comfort and help to grieve for Jamie, says Philip.

"As Jamie has touched so many lives with his positive and loving nature there will be many who will be seeking support.

"At this time we ask that you are sensitive to each other. Sometimes this news can bring up feelings and emotions for you that may not be directly related to this loss but to something else that has happened in your life.

"Please try to treat each other with kindness and we ask that you respect that grieving looks different for all of us.

"The counselling room will be a place available all day today and for the rest of the week for students who may wish to talk with a counsellor or for students who just need a space to be together. We will continue to support the family and each other with courage."

A page has been set up on Facebook 'RIP Jamie Johnston' to remember Jamie, post videos and leave condolences for the family.

Whakatane CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen says police had completed initial investigations on behalf of the Coroner in both incidents.

"This was a tragic incident and we urge all firearms users to please take extra care, as we don't want to see any more tragedies this season."

The death occurred in the second week into the 2015 duck shooting season.