Respected Ashburton district farmer Chris Allen dies in accident

Chris Allen with then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the devastating Ashburton floods in 2021. Photo / George Heard

A well-known Canterbury farmer has died in an accident in Mid Canterbury yesterday.

Emergency services responded to a sudden death at Greenview Ltd farm in Ashburton Forks.

The man who died was Greenview Ltd farm co-owner, 62-year-old Chris Allen, police confirmed this morning.

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

Allen was a respected farmer in the Mid Canterbury region for years - and a long-time and vocal member of Federated Farmers.

Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president David Acland said Allen had “incredible mana” in the community.

“It’s a tragedy and he gave a significant contribution both to Federated Farmers and the wider community in his time.”

Acland said the death has devastated the local rural network.

“He was a big part of the community and the school board of trustees for years.

“Everyone’s shaken by what happened.”

Acland also said Allen’s contribution to the freshwater and biodiversity space was significant.

He revealed it wasn’t just farmers that respected him, but also environmental groups.

“His contribution was massive outside and beyond the farm gate,” he said.

Former Minister of Agriculture and Labour’s current trade spokesperson Damien O’Connor worked closely with Allen during the Mid Canterbury floods. He paid tribute to Allen, saying he was shocked and saddened by his death.

“It’s very, very tragic and my sympathy goes out to his family, of course who will be struggling with this,” O’Connor told The Country.

Former Ashburton Mayor Angus McKay said he was “very, very sad to hear the news”.

“When trying to convince people of the way forward he had a wonderful intellect that used factual scientific information along with history of what not to do,” McKay said.

McKay recalled how Allen led the Ashburton River rating zone, which “provided protection for surrounding farming families to make the river less likely to flood their homes”.

McKay described Allen as a quiet leader, who believed in consensus.

Allen’s sheep and beef property near Mt Somers was badly damaged in the devastating floods that hit the region in 2021.

Chris Allen pictured in 2018. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited the farm after the floods.

A police spokesperson said emergency services were called to the address at 5.25pm.

“The death is not suspicious, however, further details cannot be provided until all necessary next-of-kin notifications have been carried out.”

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed the service responded to an incident at an address on Thompsons Track in Ashburton Forks at about 5.25pm.

“One primary response in medical emergencies doctor, a first response unit, an ambulance and a helicopter all attended the scene.”

St John referred all other questions to police.

WorkSafe told the Herald it had been notified and was making initial inquiries to determine if the circumstances were work-related.