Man dies after falling from cliff while gardening

The area of cliff in Mellons Bay where a man died after falling while carrying out gardening work in his back yard. Photo / Dean Purcell

A man has died after falling from a cliff while carrying out gardening work at Mellons Bay, Auckland.

The 70-year-old was working at the cliff edge when he fell, police said.

A member of the public out walking his dog last night found the man's body on the beach below.

Police were at the scene and the death was being referred to the coroner.

The man's next of kin has been informed.

A neighbour of the man told the Herald: "We just recently moved into the area and I was lucky to have had a lovely chat with [him].

"What a lovely man. Friendly and welcoming. I may have only chatted to him for 20 minutes but I feel privileged to have had that opportunity. Condolences go out to his family and I am certain that he will be greatly missed by them and the Howick community.''