'Bubbly' boy killed by council tractor-mower

A blessing is given at Kirkpatrick Park, Hastings, where a four year-old boy died after playing near a Hastings District Council tractor and lawn-mower. Photo / Duncan Brown

A 4-year-old boy died after he was run over by a council tractor-mower at a Hastings park last night.

The "bubbly" boy was believed to have been playing around the tractor at Kirkpatrick Park in Camberley, when he was killed about 5.20pm.

"The boy has come into contact with a tractor while it was mowing the fields," Sergeant Ray Kirkby said at the scene: "He has received fatal injuries."

Police said they understood the boy had been playing with older cousins when he was hit by the tractor towing a rotary mower.

The boy's grandmother Donna Hutana said she didn't see the incident and didn't want to imagine how horrific it would have been.

"Oh my God, I just can't believe it," she said. "If that's what has happened, if he's gone under there like that, I just can't believe it."

Her grandson was a "very, very clever little boy" who was "bubbly" and loved computer games, she said.

"He was full of joy and bounce."

The boy's uncle, who asked not to be named, said the "happy little guy's" fifth birthday was approaching and he had spent his short life in the Camberley community.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said he understood the driver had left the tractor to tell the children to leave the area he was mowing before the boy was run over.

"It's an absolute tragedy. A mum and dad's son has been taken away from them.

"We will investigate what happened and see what things need to be done to prevent something like this ever happening again.

"I will be making contact with the boy's family. Obviously this is the worst possible thing that could ever happen to a family and the parents of the young boy."

Mr Yule said the tractor driver was "very, very shaken up" and he and his wife would be offered counselling and support.

"It's a tragedy for the boy, his family, the driver, the driver's family and council staff."

A local kaumatua blessed the site as family members and friends of the boy stood in disbelief before police began their investigations.

Mr Kirkby would not comment on whether charges would be laid against the driver.

The council and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's labour department are also investigating.