Police said eight workers were on-site in a trench 500-600mm deep as a retaining wall collapsed nearby, trapping Dixon and his stepson.
“Six of those workers removed concrete from the injured man, and in doing so probably saved his life,” Queensland Police Inspector Chris Pemberton said.
Dixon’s partner, Katarina Bell, said she was overwhelmed with grief.
“While I’m so grateful and thankful my son made it out ok with nothing too serious, I am overwhelmed with disbelief, grief and massive waves of emotions,” Bell wrote on social media.
Kimura Dixon is remembered as an “amazing and caring” father. Photo / Facebook
“Kimura you are the absolute love of my life. I have no idea how I’m going to handle this new chapter without you.
“When you kissed me goodbye today I didn’t think it would be the last kiss I’d ever get from you. I wish I hugged you a little bit longer before you left.”
Dixon’s daughter Rheign Reedy-Dixon told the Courier Mail he was “the most caring and amazing father ever”.
“He would’ve done anything if it meant he could come home to us,” she said.
“He filled rooms with laughter and especially love.
“I hope he wasn’t scared and didn’t suffer, I just wish we all could’ve said goodbye.”
A GoFundMe account has been created to help fly Dixon’s body “home to New Zealand so he can be laid to rest”, and has raised more than $24,000 so far.
“Kim was loved by so many and will be greatly missed,” the fundraiser page stated.
The construction site was declared a crime scene on Tuesday and an investigation into the incident has been launched by Workplace Health and Safety.