”We are strongly urging all farm owners, managers, and operators to review their safety vehicle protocols, particularly when navigating sloped surfaces and steep hillsides,” he said, noting the current lambing and calving season.
“Farmers are urged to choose the right vehicle for the specific job, ensure all machinery is regularly serviced, and verify that every operator is competent, trained, and wearing the correct personal protective equipment.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed four of the six incidents resulted in deaths.
Two involved vehicles having rolled and another where a vehicle pinned an individual.
Another of the incidents occurred during a professional motorcycle competition.
Fallen trees are posing a risk to people in the Wairarapa region, including Waikanae resident Andy Wray. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The Wairarapa Rural Support Trust’s Sarah Donaldson said such accidents have a “profound emotional impact” on rural teams and farming families.
“Our sympathy goes out to every single family and member of our close-knit community who has experienced a serious injury or tragedy on a farm,” Donaldson said.
“History and analysis of incidents over the years shows that injury and death can occur to even the most experienced operators, so all rural folk are urged to think carefully about their own situations and experiences when it comes to operating all rural machinery,” she said.
The trust is actively looking into offering safety courses, she said.
Police and the trust urged the entire agricultural sector to prioritise safety, slow down, and carefully assess track and ground conditions before operating any machinery.