Tāmaki Makaurau MP Oriini Kaipara has extended her deepest condolences to the whānau, friends and colleagues of a worker who died following a workplace incident at the Auckland Meat Processors facility in Ōtāhuhu, saying the tragedy underscores the importance of ensuring every worker returns home safely.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the whānau who are now navigating an unimaginable loss,” Kaipara said.
“No one should leave for work and not return home to their loved ones.”
The fatal incident occurred at the processing plant on Portage Road shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday, when the worker reportedly became trapped in machinery. Emergency services attended the scene, but the worker was pronounced dead.
Police have not yet publicly released the identity of the deceased, while WorkSafe New Zealand has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Kaipara said her office has already begun seeking further information to better understand what happened.
That has included contacting WorkSafe New Zealand, the New Zealand Police, representatives of the Meat Workers Union, and Te Rōpū Marutau o Aotearoa, as well as lodging an information request with Police and submitting an Official Information Act request to WorkSafe.
“While I acknowledge that investigations are in their early stages and information remains limited, it is important that the whānau receive clear answers and that every effort is made to understand how this tragedy occurred,” she said.
Kaipara said the incident should serve as a reminder that workplace health and safety must remain a priority across all industries.
“This incident is a stark reminder that every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of every shift.”
“Workplace health and safety cannot become an afterthought. We owe it to workers and their whānau to ensure our workplaces are as safe as they possibly can be.”
She also acknowledged the work of emergency services, Police and WorkSafe personnel who responded to the incident and said her office would continue to monitor developments as the investigation progresses.
Kaipara said she remains available to support the bereaved whānau should they wish to engage with her office.
“As more information becomes available, I expect transparency, accountability and a thorough investigation.”
“Most importantly, I hope the whānau are given the care, respect and answers they deserve during this incredibly difficult time.”
The circumstances surrounding the worker’s death remain under investigation, and WorkSafe is expected to determine whether any further enforcement action is required once its inquiries are complete.
The tragedy has renewed attention on workplace safety in New Zealand, with unions and safety advocates continuing to stress that every workplace death is one too many.
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