Farmer killed while loading cattle

The Putere community west of Wairoa in northern Hawke's Bay is in shock after a man was crushed to death by a cattle beast yesterday.

He was 57-year-old Wiki Akurangi, a family notice in the Wairoa Star said today.

Wairoa police Sergeant Aubrey Ormond said the farm worker was loading stock on to a truck on Otoi Road, Tuai, 50km north west of Wairoa, around 11.40am when the cattle beast turned and slammed him against the stock yards.

He died at the scene.

The truck driver tried to assist before alerting emergency services.

A rescue helicopter and the ambulance service attended but failed to revive him.

The matter had been referred to the coroner and the Department of Labour.

"It is a very unusual accident but brings home the dangers that can be involved in everyday activities," said Mr Ormond.

Past Federated Farmers Gisborne/Wairoa president, and family friend, Jean Martin said the Putere and nearby communities were in shock.

"It's really sad. They are a lovely family and have worked in the area for years. They were great community people," she said.

"He was just doing a favour for another farmer who asked him to load two or three cattle.

"We're just doing some baking now before we go around to the family. You know, it's just what you do."

Ms Martin said Mr Akurangi was part of a big family but "everyone will be rallying around to help".

Last month a woman suffered a hip injury after being mauled by a cattle beast on a farm near Kotemaori, just south of Wairoa. She had to be flown to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

She was helping her husband when the animal came at her in a gateway.

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- NZPA