Tributes to quad bike victim

The man killed in a Tararua quad bike crash on Saturday was 67-year-old farmer Willie Bengston.

He died on a farm near Eketahuna about 10am.

Neighbour Alan Moss said Bengston had a wealth of farming experience, and had been around machinery all his life.

‘‘He was used to riding around the hills,’’ he said. ’’I was very surprised ... I’m not sure what went wrong.’’

Moss, who knew Bengston for close to 40 years, said his neighbour was well-liked.

‘‘He was a normal sort of guy. ‘‘He liked his beer, got to the pub pretty regularly. He was pretty well-known and got along with everybody.’’

Bengston’s widow Diane said her husband was ‘‘a hard worker and a good man’’.

His death came just hours before a second man was killed in a quad bike crash, near Okiwi Bay, in the Marlborough Sounds.

Federated Farmers Manawatu¯ president Richard Morrison said the farming industry took safety very seriously, and it was always disappointing to hear of fatal accidents.

‘‘It’s horrible for the family, their workmates and the entire industry.’’

The deaths served as a stark reminder to double-check that vehicles were well maintained, to wear helmets and be cautious of the terrain, he said.

‘‘I think farmers do very well with that overall, but there will always be a danger to farm work, especially during a busy time of year when wet weather has left fields very slippery.’’

Even those who were confident in their safety could make mistakes. ‘‘This is why everybody needs to take responsibility for farm safety.‘‘

A record 14 people died in quad bike incidents in New Zealand in 2016.