Girl dies after falling off ute

File photo / NZ Herald

A young girl has died after falling off the back of a ute in North Canterbury.

The 10-year-old girl was one of two riding on the vehicle with a farmer near Waiau, about 80km southwest of Kaikoura, helping move stock when she fell.

Despite efforts to revive her by paramedics, she died at the scene from head injuries.

Police say the tragedy was totally preventable.

Her name would not be released until her family had been informed.

- Newstalk ZB, NZPA