Forestry worker dies from injuries

A forestry worker died in Whangarei Hospital after being hit by a large log.

A man has died after being struck by a large log while working in a forestry block north-west of Whangarei.

Whangarei police said the man, believed to be in his 30s, was hit by a log while in a forestry block of Murchison Rd, Pakotai, about 48km north-west of the city, about 10.10am on Wednesday.

Police said the log hit the man on the leg and pelvis and an ambulance from Dargaville attended the accident before the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter was called out and transferred the man to Whangarei Hospital.

The man was working for a logging contractor when the accident happened, police said.

The man was put on life support and died in the hospital's intensive care unit the next morning with family present, police said.

Police said as the death was caused by an incident in a workplace health and safety body Worksafe NZ was investigating.

The Northern Advocate contacted Worksafe yesterday seeking more information, but because the office was closed for the Easter Monday public holiday a spokesperson said no response could be made until today.

The death has also been referred to the coroner.

A person connected to the dead man said he was a much loved member of his family.

The death is believed to be the first in the Northland forestry sector in more than a year.