The name of a man who died while working in an underground mine in Waihi last night has been released.
He was Tipiwai Stainton, 29, from Western Bay of Plenty.
Mr Stainton died when the loader he was operating underground rolled.
Police have now handed the site over to Worksafe and are assisting them with their investigation.
Police are also investigating on behalf of the Coroner.
Workers at the Correnso mine became aware of an accident involving an underground loader that rolled down a mine working known as a stope about 6.30pm yesterday.
When operator Mr Sainton could not be reached by radio, the mine's rescue team was sent to look for him.
Outside OceaniaGold's Correnso mine. Photo: SNPA
There was no response from the Mr Stainton, so emergency services were notified.
The mine rescue operation ended early this morning when Mr Stainton was found inside the overturned front-end loader.
WorkSafe staff and police are investigating the circumstances of the accident at the mine, which is about 60km northwest of Tauranga.
The general manager of OceanaGold, which manages the mine, Bernie O'Leary told a press conference this morning the worker was backfilling waste rock into a void about 2km into the mine and about 200m below the surface when the accident occurred.
A photo of a vehicle similar to that involved in the accident. Photo: Supplied: OceanaGold
Mr O'Leary said they were supporting the Mr Stainton's family and workmates as much as they could.
The company said it was the first death in OceanaGold New Zealand's 25-year history.