Crushed under tree

A man is dead after a tree fell on him in rural Northland.

Sergeant Kevin Milne of Northland Police said both police and ambulance responded to reports of a person trapped under a tree in Kaikohe at 2.50pm on May 15.

‘‘Police and St Johns ambulance staff made their way to the scene which is accessible only by four wheel drive.

‘‘Unfortunately a 32-year-old male has died at the scene.’’

A WorkSafe spokesperson said in a statement that the organisation was notified on May 15 that a worker was killed while felling trees near Kaikohe.

‘‘The notification to WorkSafe advised that a man in his 30s was using a chainsaw and may have been struck by a dead tree.

‘‘Investigators have been on site this morning and WorkSafe is investigating.’’

The information is subject to confirmation once our investigators establish the circumstances, the spokesperson said.

‘‘Our thoughts are with the worker’s family and colleagues.’’

Fire Northern Communications Shift Manager Jaron Phillips confirmed fire services were also called out to a property on Mataraua Rd on Monday afternoon.

In 2016 four deaths in the forestry industry were reported to WorkSafe, with two reported in 2017 at April 26.