Boatie dies as tractor rolls

A man has died near Whangarei after a tractor carrying a boat rolled on him.

The death occurred this morning in Urquharts Bay, on the east side of Whangarei Heads, about 34km from Whangarei.

Acting Sergeant Mike Greenwood of Whangarei police said the 61-year-old was driving the tractor about 8am when for some reason it went off the seawall on Urquharts Bay Rd, which goes along the coastline.

The tractor rolled and the man was crushed as a result.

"We think there may have been some mechanical problem with the tractor, but that is yet to be determined," Mr Greenwood said.

The man's name has yet to be released.

- NZPA