A 65 year old man is dead following an accident while he was hunting alone on his own rural property on the outskirts of Taupo.

Police have named him as Roger Kirk, husband of former National Party president Judy Kirk.

They believe the accident occurred before 11am this morning and he was later found dead by a neighbour in a block of pine trees.

Taupo Police CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce says the initial police enquiry indicates that Roger accidentally shot himself, possibly during a fall.

The death is referred to the coroner.

Roger Kirk.