Police say the family of a six-year-old killed in a quad bike accident near Masterton yesterday saw the tragedy happen.
They have confirmed the girl was riding a child-sized bike from a car park to a biking event in Bideford when she lost control and hit a fence.
She was given CPR but died at the scene.
Senior Sergeant Jymahl Glassey said police have been at the track speaking to witnesses, including the girl's family.
"Her family were at the event and unfortunately were close by at the time," he said.
"Police staff are currently speaking to them and trying to give them as much support as they can after the tragedy. They're very devastated."
Senior Sergeant Glassey said that through the bike was child-sized, it still weighed between 60kg and 80kg.
He said it was too soon to say if the girl was crushed by the bike.
The death has been referred to the coroner.
The family was taking part in the Jayden Kilmister memorial ride, which honours the 15-year-old trail-bike rider who died in 2009, when he was toppled from the back of a ute by a strong gust of wind.
CTU wants drivers licenced
ACC figures show five people are killed in quad bike incidents each year, on average.
Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said that was too many.
She said anyone riding a quad bike off-road should have to get a licence to do so first.
"There have been strong recommendations from the coroner and from WorkSafe on the use of quad bikes," said Ms Kelly.
"One of the things we would like to see is drivers' licences. It's clearly a very dangerous piece of equipment and farmers are very resistant to licensing."