A collection worker killed in the Waikato after falling from a rubbish truck is being remembered as a charming, friendly man, who always helped others.
Kamal Singh, said to be aged in his early 20's, died on Thursday afternoon after an incident on Alexandra Redoubt Rd in Tuakau.
It appeared he had fallen from a rubbish truck and died after being run over, a Police spokesperson said.
Kamal's friend, Daljit Singh, said Kamal had moved to New Zealand from the Mansa district in Punjab and was living here on a work visa.
He said Kamal worked for a private rubbish company, owned by another Punjabi man.
Kamal was unmarried and living with his sister, while his parents remained in India.
Daljit said his death had come as a shock to the Gurdwara sahib, the Sikh temple Kamal and Daljit volunteer at.
"Last Sunday I spent a good time with him chatting about life and a few others things, and none of us knew that he only had a few more days to live.
"It was a shock and so many community members are really upset."
Daljit said on the day of Kamal's death, members of the temple gathered to pray for him.
"There were about a dozen people who suddenly came to the temple and started praying until they got the final news about his well-being.
"They then started praying for him to rest in peace."
He said Kamal was a very friendly person who was always helping people and was committed to his faith.
"He was very charming, always smiling and friendly to everyone.
"He was very polite and always contributing at the Takanini temple. He attended the temple every night and on Sundays would spend half the day serving in the kitchen, helping to clean the temple and assisting others.
"He was a person who was really doing a good job for the community and everybody was very proud of him."
A community spokesman, Parminder Singh told SBS Punjabi that Kamal was living in New Zealand for the past few years.
"We are in deep shock following the death of Mr Singh in such tragic circumstances.
"He was very kind, humble and a routine visitor at the Takanini Sikh Temple," SBS Punjabi reported.
"The community recognises him as a devoted Sikh gentleman who was often seen serving at the Gurdwara sahib [Sikh temple].
"We express our deepest sympathy to the family."
Worksafe NZ has been notified of the incident and police are investigating.