Update: Man charged over James Dodds' death

A 36-year-old Rotorua man has been charged in relation to the death of James Dodds.

Mr Dodds, 30, affectionately known as "Dodzy", was shot while out hunting on September 7. Detective Sergeant John Wilson of the Rotorua police said yesterday a man had been charged with careless use of a firearm causing death.

The man is expected to appear in the Rotorua District Court on October 18.

Mr Dodds was a top mountain bike rider, trail and bike designer and builder, and a highly regarded skills teacher.

Facebook tributes hail him as a sporting mentor to many.

Thousands of mourners went to Mr Dodds' funeral where family and friends spoke of his infectious happiness, his go-getter attitude and his huge amount of energy.

About 100 mountain bikers went on a special ride in honour of Mr Dodds before about 69 met in town and rode to the Redwoods.

There they created a guard of honour along the dirt roadway to the sails where the funeral service was held.