The photographer who died after being struck by a car yesterday at a rally event near Hanmer Springs has been identified as Kevin Corin.
Police were called to the Hanmer Forest, where the Royce Watson Memorial Hanmer Rally was taking place, at around 5.05pm.
Mr Corin's death was confirmed by MotorSport New Zealand today on their Facebook page.
"Kevin was a well-respected and talented member of our motorsport community, supporting many South Island events and competitors with his photographs, and he will be sorely missed," MotorSport New Zealand said.
"Our thoughts (are) also with the competitors and event officials involved; we will support them in any way possible. Rest in peace, Kevin."
Mr Corin died after he was struck by a car competing in the rally after the vehicle travelled "a considerable distance off the rally route", MotorSport New Zealand said.
He was standing in a safe location when he was hit, MotorSport CEO Brian Budd told Radio New Zealand.
Mr Budd said the driver of the car was uninjured but in shock following the incident.
"It's devastating to have anyone who is seriously injured, let alone killed," he said, adding that the organisation will conduct its own investigation, subject to a coroner's inquest. "Whatever learnings come out of that will impact on how we run these sports in the future."
In another statement, MotorSport New Zealand president Wayne Christie said, "Our thoughts are with the photographer's family and friends, all those involved in the Hanmer Rally and our motorsport community as a whole who are understandably affected by this tragedy".
In tributes on social media today, fellow motorsport enthusiasts remembered a man whose talent behind the lens helped the "rally family" create "all the amazing memories".
"Not only a top notch photographer but an awesome guy with a sense of humour that will be dearly missed," wrote Clayton Vernal. "Kevin had a unique outlook on life and always made me laugh...RIP mate, you will be missed."
Stuart Dent described Mr Corin on social media as a "former ace British f3 mechanic".
"Thinking of his two young sons, his friends and family at this awful time," he said. "Life can be dreadfully cruel at times."
Yesterday's tragedy was not the first time there has been a death on the Canterbury course.
Kelvin Royce Watson, known as Royce, died when he crashed into a tree after crossing the finish line during the first stage of the Hanmer Forest Rally in 2013.
The rally is now called The Royce Watson Memorial Hanmer Rally, which was renamed from the Hanmer Forest Straight’n’Paint Rally following Mr Watson's death.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
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