An adventure company responsible for a rock-climbing expedition during which three people were swept to their deaths has pleaded guilty to failing to ensure their safety.

Adam Morehu was fatally shot by police early this morning after allegedly telling the officers he was going to kill them and then firing a shot at them.

Residents of a tiny rural community will gather this Tuesday to ponder its status as one of the most intensively drilled places in the country.

The brother of an instructor who died after being swept off Taranaki's Paritutu Rock into the sea, says he is not angry with the company his brother worked for.

Family members will be asked to identify the body found in water at the base of Paritutu Rock this morning, confirmed as being one of the trio who were swept away earlier this month.

Three people - two students, one instructor - are missing after falling into rough seas this afternoon. Photos / Rob Tucker