Inquiry under way into death of Gisborne forestry worker

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Police and WorkSafe NZ have inquiries going into the death of a Gisborne man in a forestry accident in the Raupunga area south of Wairoa last Thursday.

He was 50-year-old Siosiua Saluni.

The incident happened at around midday.

Police said a Hawke’s Bay rescue chopper with a paramedic on board was called out.

“The 50-year-old man from Gisborne was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said. “WorkSafe NZ have an inquiry going, and so do police on behalf of the Coroner.”

No information has been made available as to the circumstances of the tragedy.

“We have extended our condolences to the man’s family,” police said.

The man’s family released his name in a family notice in The Herald on Saturday.

Siosiua Saluni leaves behind his wife, seven children and two grandchildren.

He was farewelled in a funeral service at Evans Chapel yesterday.