The man killed in a controlled scrub burn-off in North Canterbury yesterday has been named by police.
Denis Luke Hazlett, 71, had been visiting a high country farm near Waikari, in the Hurunui region.
Mr Hazlett, from Ohoka, 20km north of Christchurch, was helping two other men at the farm with a controlled scrub burn-off on a steep gully.
Mr Hazlett was a well-respected figure in New Zealand rural circles for more than four decades.
In 2001, he retired after 13 years as general manager of agricultural supply business Pyne Gould Guinness to become chairman of the Rural Communities Trust. He had also been president of the Stock and Station Agents' Association.
He founded rural services firm Hazlett Rural Limited (HRL) and remained on the board of directors, along with his son David.
Police southern communications shift inspector Murray Hurst said the fire "obviously got out of control".
Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at about 3.40pm.
"There were other people there with him who called it in," Mr Hurst said.
When emergency staff arrived, the man was already dead.
"I think he was overcome by smoke inhalation," Mr Hurst said.
The death has been referred to the coroner.
Victim Support are working with the men and the victim's family.
Police and WorkSafe New Zealand investigations into the incident are continuing.
Fire investigators are conducting a scene examination today.
Mr Hazlett was a well-respected figure in New Zealand rural circles for more than four decades.
In 2001, he retired after 13 years as general manager of agricultural supply business Pyne Gould Guinness to become chairman of the Rural Communities Trust. He had also been president of the Stock and Station Agents' Association.
He founded rural services firm Hazlett Rural Limited (HRL) and remained on the board of directors, along with his son David.Mr Hazlett came from a proud Southland farming, racing and rugby community.
A distinguished rugby player who represented Southland 12 times in 1966-67, the skills ran in the family.
Elder brother and prop forward Jack played six tests for the All Blacks in 1966-67.
Their uncle William Edgar Hazlett, who toured South Africa in 1928, played 26 matches for the All Blacks including eight internationals.
Yesterday's tragedy was not the first to strike the Hazlett family.
In 1992, Mr Hazlett's brother Mike, a central Southland farmer, businessman, and leading member of the Winton Jockey Club, drowned in a tidal rip while holidaying in Bali.
