'Life has never been the same' - Police reopen attempted murder case 21 years on

Bay of Plenty police have reopened an investigation into an attempted murder 21 years ago to see if they can find other suspects.

Rotorua man Karl Anders Nyman was shot and injured in 2002 and one man was convicted in 2019, but police said in a statement "we know there are other persons involved who have never been charged".

In the early hours of 31 July 2002, Warren Kiwi travelled to a Rotorua address where Nyman lived at the time and waited hidden outside.

At about 4.15am, Nyman left his house and walked towards his truck. As he reached the footpath, a balaclava-clad Kiwi approached him with a rifle, police said.

A struggle ensued to gain control of the rifle, which resulted in Nyman being shot in the arm, and injuring his knee after falling.

Kiwi, now 62, was finally convicted in 2019 of the attempted murder as a 'gun for hire' and imprisoned for nine years. He had been promised payment of an amount of cannabis to shoot Nyman.

More than two decades on, Nyman said "life has never been the same since that morning in July of 2002 and will probably never be the same - but we have coped for 21 years as best we can".

Police said they have reopened the case and are seeking seeking others to come forward with any information they may have as to who was responsible for wanting Nyman dead.

"Police are not clear as to the reasons behind the attempted murder," Detective Sergeant Tony Colby, Rotorua CIB said in a statement.

"We need people to speak up and tell us what they know and who was involved.

"There are more people who have information, and maybe they saw or heard what happened but are reluctant to talk with us.

"This was a serious incident which nearly led to a man's death."

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation can contact police via 105, referencing file number 020731/0985.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online via www.crimestoppers-nz.org