Forestry death inquests resume

An inquest into the death of forestry worker Robert Epapara has resumed in Rotorua today.

The inquest is the fifth of eight forestry deaths during 2012 and 2013 Coroner Dr Wallace Bain is investigating.

Mr Epapara died after being struck by a tree on March 26, 2013.

Fletcher Pilditch, assisting the coroner, said the court would hear from a number of witnesses, investigators and two police officers today and tomorrow.

"This is one of a number of inquests conducted since early last year, in fact it's the fifth out of eight to resume to a full hearing after opening in April last year."

One witness, Nepia Te Rangi, who worked with Mr Epapara for about a year, said on the day of his death no formal morning meeting was held, which was unusual.

Usually it was required to have such a meeting to discuss where and what workers were doing that day, Mr Pilditch.

Later another worker, Major Nelson, radioed Te Rangi asking if he could see Mr Epapara who was working in the same area.

Nelson had intended to fell a tree and Te Rangi said he couldn't see him, he said.

When asked again, he replied again that he couldn't see him.

Murray McKechnie, the lawyer acting for Mr Epapara's family, asked Te Rangi why he didn't at that point tell Nelson to stop felling the tree, which was normal procedure.

"Why didn't you say, for Gods sake stop! Robert's there, stop."

Te Rangi didn't respond.

The third witness, Major Nelson, said what happened that day has stuck with him since.

"There's rarely a day that goes by where I don't think if him," he said.

"I wish I could wind the clock back, but I can't."