Hawke’s Bay forestry worker remembered as ‘kindest person’ following tragedy

Forestry worker Tia Rissetto, who leaves behind 12 grandchildren, “had the biggest heart”. Photo / Tiani Buckman

An experienced forestry worker has been remembered as the “kindest person” after his death in a work-related incident in Hawke’s Bay just a week before Christmas.

Tia Rissetto, 64, from Waipukurau, died on Monday during a forestry-related incident in a rural area of Central Hawke’s Bay.

WorkSafe has launched an investigation. Emergency services reported he was trapped under a vehicle that overturned on a private property in Flemington, on Tourere Rd.

His daughter, Tiani Buckman, said through tears that Rissetto “had the biggest heart” and was a fantastic father and grandfather.

“He would literally give the shirt off his back, he would give his last penny, he never said no.

“If someone needed something he was always there.

“I’m glad I had him as a dad.”

She said he was a mentor to many.

“He was a hell of a mentor, it didn’t matter who asked, he was always there for those who needed guidance and made life a bit easier for people.”

She said he had been in the forestry industry for decades and “lived and breathed forestry” and took comfort in the fact he “went out doing something he loved”.

“I spoke to his boss [on Monday night] and said ‘you know what dad lived in his boots’. He truly did.”

Forestry is one of New Zealand's most dangerous industries. Photo / NZME

She said her dad was also a friend to many, and was originally from Tūrangi but moved to Waipukurau about three years ago for work.

“There are so many messages from all the boys he has worked with over all these years, they all say the same thing, he is the kindest person.

“He taught a lot of boys and a lot of women how to do forestry, he was the kind of guy you wanted to learn off.”

Buckman said her dad adored his grandchildren, of which he had 12.

“Dad idolised all his grandkids. They were his world and they all looked up to him.

“My son is his oldest grandson, he’s 15, and my dad taught him how to dive.

“Dad gave us the life of hunting and diving [growing up] and I kept that going for my kids.

“To have his grandkids do the things that he loved surely made him proud.”

She said her dad’s long-time boss and good mate had stayed with him on Monday, following the incident, until emergency services arrived.

She said his tangi would likely be held in Dannevirke.

A WorkSafe spokeswoman said they had opened an investigation into the forestry-related death and its inspectors had attended the scene.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the friends, whānau and colleagues of the victim.

“Forestry is one of the four most dangerous industries in Aotearoa, and is a priority sector under our new strategy.

“The fatality rate in forestry is about 20 times higher than the average for all sectors.”

Emergency services first received the call about the incident about 1.30pm on Monday, and a police spokeswoman said inquiries were ongoing.

Gary Hamilton-Irvine is a Hawke’s Bay-based reporter who covers a range of news topics including business, councils, breaking news and cyclone recovery. He formerly worked at News Corp Australia.