Wairoa police have named the 59-year-old farmer who died on Monday afternoon after the quadbike he was herding stock on crashed down a 40m bank. He was Kevin David Knauf.
Sergeant Aubrey Ormond said Mr Knauf was part of a close-knit farming family who worked the land off Hereheretau Rd, east
of Wairoa.
"He was well-known around the area."
Mr Ormond said the family was understandably shocked by what had happened but were supporting each other. Friends were also giving strong support to the family.
Mr Knauf died at the scene from his injuries.
His quadbike had left a farm track and rolled down the bank.
Mr Ormond said Mr Knauf had not been wearing a helmet, but added that under the circumstances of the crash it was unlikely to have saved his life.
A police and Department of Labour investigation is under way and a post-mortem was being carried out today.
