03 July 2009
Western Waikato Police have now released the details of the forestry worker killed yesterday while working in the Rangitoto ranges, east of Te Kuiti. Mr Ronald Jim ANDERSON, aged 44 years of Tokoroa had been felling logs in a forestry block off Manu Road, situated about 30 minutes drive east of Te Kuiti. It would appear that he died instantly when the tree that he cut clipped another tree, causing a large branch to break off, landing directly on top of Mr ANDERSON.
Work colleagues raised the alarm when he hadn't responded to his 1600 hour radio check in and then went looking for him. Victim Support will be assisting the 14 workers based at the site. Mr ANDERSON was an experienced forestry worker who had recently changed logging companies. Workplace accident inspectors from the Department of Labour will be at the scene today carrying out an investigation. End