Te Puke community mourns loss of 'father, husband, friend and valued employee' after Pukepine Sawmills accident

A man in his 40s died following a "workplace accident" at Pukepine Sawmills in Te Puke. Photo / File

The Te Puke community is mourning the loss of "a father, husband, friend, and valued employee" after a man in his 40s died following a workplace accident at Pukepine Sawmills.

A police spokeswoman said police were called to the scene on Jellicoe St just after 3pm on Thursday following reports of a "workplace accident".

The man was transported to Tauranga Hospital, but subsequently died of his injuries, the police spokeswoman said.

In a statement, Pukepine general manager Jeff Tanner said the company was closed yesterday following the man's death.

"It is with enormous sadness that on Thursday 28th of March we lost a husband, father, friend, and valued employee during a workplace accident at Pukepine Sawmills," Tanner said.

"Our thoughts are right now first and foremost with the family and words cannot express our deepest sympathy for their loss."

Tanner said the company would remain closed until Tuesday next week and a blessing would be held on April 1.

"The company is extending its full support to family and staff during this time," he said.

Relevant authorities were notified immediately, and the company was also investigating the incident, Tanner said.

A WorkSafe New Zealand spokeswoman said WorkSafe was notified of an incident on Thursday afternoon.

"We have now been informed the victim has passed away," the spokeswoman said.

WorkSafe is now investigating and was unable to make any further comment.