Update Taharoa fatality

Western Waikato Police say it will be for the Coroner to determine the cause of death of a man who died in a work site fatality near an isolated coastal settlement this morning.

Te Kuiti Sub-Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Rob Van Kalken, said a 44-year-old Taharoa man died when the Toyota Hi-lux utility he was driving left the track and hit steel pipes and a metal structure in an iron-sand pit area at Taharoa about 8.30am.

Earlier reports the vehicle was reversing at the time of the incident were incorrect.

"The Waikato Serious Crash Unit is investigating the incident but because the death was at a work site and not on a road it is not being treated as a fatal road crash."

"Given the circumstances of today's incident the Department of Labour has been advised. The deceased was the only person in the vehicle at the time and the Coroner will determine the cause of his death."