Partner, parents are paid $20,000 over mine death

WAIHI - An Auckland construction company has been fined $20,000 after a worker died at the Martha Mine in Waihi.

Penrose-based Robt Stone Ltd pleaded guilty in the Waihi District Court yesterday to a charge of failing to take all practical steps to ensure the safety of an employee.

Nicholas Andrew Moncur, of Whangamata, died at the mine last September 23 after being run over by a 5-tonne crane.

The 36-year-old fitter and turner had been working on mine extensions for only two weeks when the crane, which he was directing from in front, lost control and ran over him.

He died instantly.

An Occupational Safety and Health prosecution was initiated when it was found that the crane's brakes were faulty.

Robt Stone was ordered to pay $10,000 of the fine to Mr Moncur's parents, David and Valerie Moncur, of Whangamata, and $10,000 to his partner, Faith Khoo, of Tokoroa.

It was also ordered to pay court costs of $130.

"We're just pleased it's over," said David Moncur. "We don't have any animosity to anyone over it, it's just one of those things.

"The company should have known about the [crane's] faults - it's just a silly thing to happen."

The general manager of Robt Stone, Ian Murray, did not want to discuss details but said that Mr Moncur's death had had a terrible effect on staff at the company.

"It's been a tragedy for all involved," he said.

"It's finally been resolved and we just have to move forward from here."