Police recover body of quarry digger driver

Jill Taylor and Murray Taylor of Christchurch. Photo / Supplied

Police have recovered the body of digger driver Murray Taylor from the more than 1500 tonnes of rubble that buried him in a mammoth landslide at Heathstock Haulage quarry in North Canterbury on Monday.

Inspector Corrie Parnell said a body was recovered from the cab of the damaged machine shortly before 4pm today.

It was believed to be Murray George Taylor but formal identification would be completed tomorrow.

More than 50 people worked on the recovery operation today and Canterbury police and WorkSafe NZ investigations would continue, Mr Parnell said.

Two bulldozers and a 40-tonne excavator have towed the damaged excavating machine Mr Taylor was found in away from the site, Mr Parnell said.

"Now that the recovery operation has been completed there is no access to the quarry, which is subject to the prohibition notice issued by WorkSafe NZ.

"Canterbury police and Victim Support continue to support ... Murray's family while they come to terms with the tragic events and emotional rollercoaster they found themselves on this week."

The family has asked for privacy and did not want to make further comment, Mr Parnell said.

The death has been referred to the coroner to determine the cause.

Canterbury police will provide an update once formal identification of the body has taken place.