A forklift has been used to rescue a teenager trapped in an avalanche of peas.

The New Zealand Press Association reported Benjamin Jordan Hylands, 17, told the Ashburton District Court he used a cigarette lighter to burn plastic ties securing a closed shipping container at an Ashburton seed company yard.

When he opened the door, peas flooded out, trapping his friend up to his chest.

Police, firemen and ambulance staff used a forklift to rescue the teenager, who had minor injuries.

Hylands was sentenced to 200 hours of community work and ordered to pay reparation of NZD200 (USD142), half the value of the damaged peas, to South Island Seeds.