Police name teen who died in forestry incident

The teenager who died in a forestry incident last week was Eramyha Eruera Pairama.

The 19-year-old from Whakatane died after being struck by a tree during forestry work in the area of Sisam Valley Rd, Taneatua on Friday afternoon.

Department of Labour have attended the scene and the matter has been referred   to the Coroner.

Meanwhile the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is renewing its call for an inquiry into the forestry industry.

CTU president Helen Kelly said the year had barely started and  there had already been two serious incidents and a death in the forestry industry.

"It is not viable for the Government to sit back and allow this type of safety record to go unchecked in our fourth biggest export industry," she said.

"An inquiry is needed to examine best international practice, look at how poor working conditions in the industry are contributing to the accident rate, and look at what needs to change to make the industry safer."

The CTU called for an inquiry last year and it was rejected.

"The Minister is now on notice that this work is unsafe, and that this industry is not competent to make it safer - each death and accident is further testament to this," Ms Kelly said.

"His response to this call for action and an inquiry is ultimately making a decision on whether or not this safety record is acceptable."