Tributes have been paid to a county teenager who died in a quadbike accident on his family’s farm in New Zealand, while his mother was visiting relatives in East Lothian.

Robbie McKenzie died when the quadbike he was using to help milk cows on the farm overturned and left the 14-year-old trapped in a ditch.

Dad Callum used a truck to move the quadbike off his son, but Robbie died from his injuries.

Tributes have been paid to the “enthusiastic, fun-loving” teenager, who moved to New Zealand with his family four years ago.

The family lived on Skedsbush Farm, near Gifford, before moving just across the county border to Smiddyhill Farm, Cranshaws, and then onto New Zealand.

Robbie’s aunt, Lindsay Croft, from Musselburgh, paid tribute to the teenager, who had attended Yester Primary School in Gifford.

Lindsay told the Courier on Tuesday: “It is a very difficult time for all the family, particularly as half of them are on the other side of the world.

“They were a perfect family: three boys and a girl. He will leave a hole in the family and he will be missed hugely.

“He’ll be missed as a kind, caring boy who was just starting out on his life – he had so much more to give.” His eldest brother, 20-year-old Donald, of Musselburgh, who is in his fourth year of a joinery apprenticeship, flew to New Zealand after Robbie’s death on April 7, and thanked well-wishers on his Facebook page.

He said: “Thank you for all the support and messages you have all sent. It’s very helpful.” Haddington Rugby Club, where Donald was a regular in the season just finished, paid their own tribute.

A post on the club’s Facebook page said: “Haddington RFC were saddened to learn of the tragic death of Robbie McKenzie, the brother of our back-row Donald, in New Zealand earlier this month. Our thoughts and condolences are with the McKenzie family at this sad time.” And Lindsay praised the support the local community in New Zealand had given the family.

She added: “We’re a very close family and we’ve had daily contact, whether it’s been on the phone, on Skype or whatever – and the community out there in New Zealand has been very supportive of the family, and we are all mourning with them.” A celebration of the 14-year-old’s life was held in New Zealand last Friday, and his aunts and uncles from Scotland penned a tribute to their nephew, which was read out at the service.

It read: “Robbie seemed to become a teenager very suddenly. A handsome, competent, skilled teenager who was eager to do his bit – on the farm; at school; in work and play. But whatever wide adventures life took Robbie on, at the very heart of them would always be his family.

“He had the comfort of having older brothers, and the confidence of being an older brother.

“He adored Donald – the leader of the pack – following his every move; checking out his jokes; how he gelled his hair; copying his skills and his fashions like all the best younger brothers do.

“In turn, Robbie was so close to [brother] Eoghan, 17, that it was sometimes difficult to tell apart the entwined limbs as they rolled across the floor.

“Yet with his little sister Flora, 12, he had such patience, such gentleness, such generosity that they became the best of friends in the games they played.” At the time of the accident, mum Felicity and sister Flora were visiting family in Musselburgh and Midlothian, as Lindsay explained.

“They still have land over here, so [Felicity] was over visiting family and making sure everything was alright. We’re here in Musselburgh, and Donald stays with us, so she was over to visit us,” she said.

“She came over with Flora and the boys stayed at home to help their dad, Callum, on the land – they farm dairy and beef in New Zealand.” “She had been here three or four days, just less than a week, when she got the phonecall about the accident and had to fly home.” Robbie was described as “sporty” by aunt Lindsay, who confirmed he was a member of Gifford Cubs and had a brief spell with Duns Pipe Band, before moving to New Zealand, where he continued his education at Whangarei Boys High.

Tributes posted on Facebook included Sarah Hayward saying: “I’m gonna miss you so much I’m so sad. I can’t believe this has happened. Will be praying for all your family”, while Jodi Hollings said: “You will always be a guiding light for your family in heaven as your were on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Thank you for allowing me the chance to know you.” Yester Primary School has paid tribute to the teenager.

Dorothy Hilsley, the school’s headteacher, said: “It’s been a few years since Robbie left us to move to New Zealand, but lots of us here remember him well.” “We were all very sad to hear the news and would like to extend our sympathies to his family and everyone in our community who has been touched by his loss.” Robbie was buried at the family farm in Opononi last Friday, while a gathering to remember his life will be held in Yester Primary on Friday, May 22 at 2pm.