Flags outside Bay of Plenty Regional Council are flying at half-mast to honour the late Arch Delahunty.
Arch, a Whakatane-based works engineer for the council, died yesterday when the car he was driving was hit by a train at Otamarakau, near Matata.
He had been with the former Bay of Plenty Catchment Commission back in the 1970s and returned to the regional council 12 years ago.
"Arch was a well-loved and dedicated member of staff," regional council chair Doug Leeder said.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing and our hearts go out to his family and friends."