The drilling site at Tikorangi. File photo: NZ Herald/Paul Charman
Emergency services were called to the scene at the Todd Energy drilling rig on Tikorangi Road, near Waitara, about 8:10am.
Chris Matthews of the St John central communications centre said there was nothing the ambulance crew could do for the man when they arrived.
Spokesman for Todd Energy Hamish McHaffie said the man was an employee of MB Century, the contractor for the site.
Mr McHaffie said first aid was administered by other workers until ambulance staff arrived and pronounced the man dead at the scene.
"At this stage the cause of death is unknown," he said.
