Vineyard operator dies after tractor incident in Central Otago

A man has been killed after a tractor rolled onto him at a vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand.

According to local media reports, emergency services were called to a vineyard on Earnscleugh Road, near Alexandra, at 1.50pm on 22 January.

New Zealand police later confirmed that one person had died following an incident with a farm vehicle.

It is believed that the man, named as 66-year-old James (Jim) Henry Linwood by the Otago Daily Times, had been spraying vines prior to the incident.

Police have referred the death to the coroner while New Zealand’s health and safety regulator Worksafe is also conducting an investigation.

Speaking to the Otago Daily Times, Bill Linwood described his brother as having “very strong family values” and being devoted to his three children and four grandchildren.