Teen killed after falling off ute

A 15-year-old man who was riding of the back of a ute died after being blown off in the Wairarapa yesterday.

The accident happened about 5pm on Te Ore Ore Rd, Masterton, Sergeant CJ Megaw said.

The teenager had been riding on the back of a farm utility vehicle with a bed, cabinet and fridge which he was helping to move.

A 34-year-old family friend was driving the vehicle.

The furniture was being moved from the teenager's house to the drivers.

He was on the back of the ute holding onto the furniture when "an extremely strong gust of wind" knocked him onto the road.

"It appears that the young person struck the road and sustained facial injuries."

Nearby motorists administered first aid but could not save the teenager.

- NZPA