The pilot of a light aircraft has died in a crash in the Wairarapa.
The company Aerowork confirmed "one of our fertiliser-spreading aircraft went down and the pilot was killed".
"The team is working closely with the emergency crews and have reached out to the family," they said.
"As a close knit team, there are feelings of shock and sadness as we grapple with this terrible incident.
"The pilot was an experienced, dedicated and hugely valued team member.
"Out of respect for the family's privacy, we will not be confirming the individual's identity to give them time to process the devastating news," Aerowork said in a statement.
"It's too soon to say what happened and speculation at this time is unhelpful. A full investigation will begin and we will co-operate fully with WorkSafe and the Civil Aviation Authority throughout.
"Our thoughts are with the family at this terrible time."
The pilot, a man aged in his 50s, died at the scene, Stuff reports.
