Organisers of the Hidden Valley music festival have issued a public statement addressing the death of an attendee.
A man in his 20s arrived at the Hidden Valley Festival on Sunday night and - according to witnesses - collapsed just seconds later, shortly before 7pm.
Festival organisers told Newshub he suffered a cardiac arrest and had a pre-existing heart condition.
In a message shared to its Instagram account on Monday, organisers of the Matakana-based event said the death had left them "devastated".
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the whānau of the deceased at this time," the post reads.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of one of our Hidden Valley attendees. As a live music festival that prides itself on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all, we are devastated by this tragic event.
"Our thoughts, respect and aroha remains will the family of the deceased at this time."
A police spokesperson told Newshub that emergency services were called to a medical incident at the festival at around 7:30pm.
Despite medical assistance being provided, the man died at the scene.
Police are investigating on behalf of the coroner, who will determine the cause of death.
There's no word from officials on whether alcohol or drugs were involved in the man's death.
Illegal drugs can now lawfully be tested at festivals, but that wasn't in action at Hidden Valley Festival - partiers there told Newshub they wish it was.
Hidden Valley organisers reiterated in their statement that the safety and wellbeing of attendees remains a top priority.
"We will continue to adhere to the health and safety guidelines set by police."
The organisers say they are working closely with local authorities.
