Manslaughter charge laid over forestry fatality

File photo / NZ Herald

A man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a forestry worker last year.

Lincoln Kidd was killed during a tree felling operation on December 19.

Police said Mr Kidd and his colleagues were felling trees on a forestry block on State Highway 1, near Levin, when he was struck by a falling tree.

A 46-year-old Horowhenua man was charged today and would appear in Levin District Court tomorrow, police said.

He also faced serious workplace health and safety charges from WorkSafe NZ.

Detective Sergeant Peter Vine said there was an extensive inquiry phase.

"There have been investigations by WorkSafe NZ and Police that involved an extensive inquiry phase and a large number of witness statements were taken, and legal advice was sought.

"Throughout this process we have remained in frequent contact with Mr Kidd's family and we have met with them recently to communicate the next steps in our investigation."