'Real family man' killed in burn-off

Denis Hazlett was an old boy of Waihi Preparatory School and appeared in a Youtube video for the school in 2012.

The son of a man killed in a controlled scrub burn-off has paid tribute to "a real family man".

Denis Luke Hazlett, 71, had been visiting a high country farm near Waikari in the Hurunui region yesterday when the fire got out of control.

Watch: Fatal scrub fire in Canterbury

Mr Hazlett, from Ohoka, 20km north of Christchurch, was helping two other men at the farm with the burn-off on a steep gully.

Police southern communications shift inspector Murray Hurst said Mr Hazlett was overcome with smoke inhalation and died at the scene.

David Hazlett described his father as "an extraordinary father figure".

"He was a leader and a listener. He loved his horses, his sport, and his grandchildren were a massive part of his life," David said.

He is survived by David and Victoria Hazlett, James and Corina Hazlett, and Alice and Tim Schneiderman, and eight grandchildren.

"Our mother Geraldine died in 2003. He forged on from her death and continued to be an outstanding parent to his immediate close-knit family," David said.

"Our father was an extraordinary father figure to all of us. He was a real family man and his family were his reason."

Mr Hazlett was a well-respected figure in New Zealand rural circles for more than four decades.

In 2001, he retired after 13 years as general manager of agricultural supply business Pyne Gould Guinness to become chairman of the Rural Communities Trust. He had also been president of the Stock and Station Agents' Association.

He founded rural services firm Hazlett Rural Limited (HRL) and remained on the board of directors, along with his son David.

Mr Hazlett came from a proud Southland farming, racing and rugby community.

A distinguished rugby player who represented Southland 12 times in 1966-67, the skills ran in the family.

Elder brother and prop forward Jack played six tests for the All Blacks in 1966-67.

Their uncle William Edgar Hazlett, who toured South Africa in 1928, played 26 matches for the All Blacks including eight internationals.

Yesterday's tragedy was not the first to strike the Hazlett family.

In 1992, Mr Hazlett's brother Mike, a central Southland farmer, businessman, and leading member of the Winton Jockey Club, drowned in a tidal rip while holidaying in Bali.

His death has been referred to the coroner and fire investigators were at the scene of the blaze today.