Waimarama motorbike crash victim a valued worker for a Hastings roading firm

A large number of motorbikes were in the area on Thursday for a tangi at Waimarama Marae. Photo / Paul Taylor

The man who died after a motorcycle crash near Waimarama on Thursday afternoon was Thomas Edward Mansell, 52, of Flaxmere.

He was a valued employee of roading contractor Russell Roads, in Hastings, but was not working at the time of the crash, which happened between Ocean Beach and Maraetotara Rds about 1.50pm.

A large number of motorbikes were in the Waimarama area on Thursday for a tangi.

Police said the death was being referred to the Coroner.

Russell Roads CEO Gavin O’Connor said Mansell was “a key part of our team and a fantastic worker with a huge personality”.

“He worked here alongside two of his children and brought a big smile and lots of laughter to work every day,” O’Connor said.

“He will leave a big hole in our business and it will take time for our team to process and recover from this tragic loss.

“We are doing all we can to support our team and Tomo’s whanau through this challenging time,” he said.