Quad bike death: Victim really 'caring person'

A man has died in Takapau after a quad bike accident.

Vaughan Reid is the second Hawke's Bay farm worker to be killed in a quad bike accident in nine days.

The 62-year-old died on a farm near Takapau on Thursday.

Mr Reid had farmed in Takapau his whole life, and though he briefly moved out of the area he "never went too far away", his son-in-law Simon Marshall said.

"He was a really well known person in the community, and was really involved with lots of community things," Mr Marshall said.

Mr Reid loved the outdoors, and was a really caring person.

"He'd go out of his way for a complete stranger, and thought the best of people. He'd do anything he could to help anyone,' he said. "He's going to be missed."

Police said Mr Reid had been spraying weeds at the back of a farm on a quad bike, and when he did not return home a co-worker went to look for him. He was found pinned underneath his quad bike against a fence.

Mr Marshall said it was a tragedy he was gone, and the large family Mr Reid had left behind were rallying around each other.

Mr Reid had also been a member of the Takapau Lions Club for several years, and had helped them out even before he joined.

Chairman Peter Paton said Mr Reid was always happy to do community work and help out.

"He really enjoyed it - he was a good Lion and a good guy with a really good heart."

Mr Reid's death comes after Waipukurau man Aussie Richmond Tuhou, 69, was killed following injuries sustained in a quad bike accident on December 8.

Federated Farmers president Will Foley said two accidents in the short space of time was a real shock.

"There will be a lot of pain and heartache for their families."

He said that at this time of year a lot of farmers were rushing around to get everything done before Christmas.

"My message to farmers is to slow down, think about what they're doing, and take their time to ensure they get home to their families."

WorkSafe New Zealand had been notified and were investigating both of the fatal incidents.

Constable Andy Walker said this type of accident was all too common and in many cases, could be avoided with an increased awareness of safety issues.

"Anyone riding a quad bike needs to be acutely aware of the possible dangers and risks to their safety," Mr Walker said.

Mr Reid's funeral is to be held at 2pm today, at Stonehaven, Waipukurau.