An 11-year-old boy has been flown to hospital in a critical condition after he was hit by a truck on State Highway 10 in the Far North.
Sergeant Nigel Turnbull, of Far North police, said the accident occurred about 2.50pm at Kareponia, about 4km east of Awanui.
Witnesses said it appeared the boy ran on to the highway opposite his home with his back turned toward the oncoming vehicle.
He was taken by St John ambulance to Kaitaia Hospital, and airlifted from there to Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital by Northland Rescue Helicopter.
The boy was understood to be in a critical condition.