A Kiwi businessman who recruited locals to work in New Zealand has been been shot dead in Vanuatu.
Dick Eade, who ran Manpower Vanuatu Associates and had lived in Vanuatu for about 35 years, was killed on his farm on the island of Efate on Thursday.
The Daily Post newspaper said a suspect for the shooting was in police custody and due to appear in court on Friday.
His death is believed to be linked to a land dispute, Vanuatu police deputy commander George Towmey said.
A paramedic told the newspaper Mr Eade was dead when he arrived at the farm and had a gunshot wound in his chest.
It said the New Zealand High Commission had told his wife in New Zealand of his death.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to NZ Newswire it was aware of a New Zealander's death in Vanuatu.
The High Commissioner in Port Vila was providing consular assistance to his family, she said.
Mr Eade was a key recruiter for New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employment scheme which brings in workers from Pacific Islands to cover labour shortages in the horticulture and viticulture industries.
NZN