Man dies after ride-on mower accident

A 56-year-old man is dead after a ride-on mower left a farm track at Ngatimoti, near Motueka, and rolled on top of him during an accident on his farm.

Police were informed of the death by the man's family about 4.15am today after the body had been discovered.

Sergeant Dale Jenkins of Motueka Police said family members became concerned that the man was late returning home and began looking for him.

Mr Jenkins said he believed the mower had rolled about three metres off the track and had landed on top of the man. The accident had been referred to the coroner.

- nzpa