An investigation has been opened by WorkSafe.
It's the second fatal farm accident in Hawke's Bay in as many weeks and the fourth across New Zealand in the past month.
Two involved tractors in Te Kuiti and Hastings and another involved a child in a dairy shed in Ōpōtiki.
On September 17, one person was killed near Maraekakaho after a tractor was believed to have slipped on steep terrain while feeding out.
Police have yet to officially release the name of the person killed and WorkSafe is still investigating the incident.
WorkSafe agriculture engagement lead Al McCone said farms slope surfaces were especially tricky at this time of year.
"It is a time of variable weather and growth, and variable ground surface conditions.
"There is also a shortage of contractors and some farmers will be doing tractor work that normally a contractor might do with equipment better suited to the task.
"We cannot let these challenges contribute to loss of life or injury."
McCone also said seatbelts should always be worn when doing farm work.
"Mistakes happen and your seatbelt might be the difference between a sore neck and a broken one."
Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president Jim Galloway said at the time it was a "timely but extremely sad reminder" of the dangers on working farms.
"Farms have thousands of moving parts, making them an unpredictable place.
"Staying safe is an absolute priority for all rural people, and we are just so sad at the tragic loss this family and all involved are suffering."