Contractor killed after fertiliser spreader overturns

File photo / NZ Herald

A contractor was killed when the fertiliser spreader he was operating overturned on a Southland hill country property this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the property in the Key area, 20km east of Te Anau, at around 12.30pm.

Police, fire and ambulance services arrived to find the 58-year-old driver of the fertiliser spreader dead at the scene.

Worksafe New Zealand is investigating the incident together with the police serious crash unit.

Police are investigating the crash on behalf of the coroner, said Winton Police sergeant Greg Smith.

The man's name won't be released until next of kin have been notified.