Plane crash victim is named

Police are now able to confirm the name of the pilot who was killed on Saturday (8 December) near Rotorua.

Samuel Kershaw, aged 26 and known as Sam, was the sole occupant of a top-dressing plane that crashed in Waikite Valley at approximately 1.20pm.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Sam's family and fiancée have requested privacy while they come to terms with their loss.