Helicopter rescue after fall

Forestry workers had to cut down an area of scrub for a helicopter to land yesterday after a man fell hundreds of metres down a steep bank.

The man, believed to be in his early 20s, was working on a chain gang in the Hunua Ranges when he was hit by a tree.

St John Communications Centre team leader Murray Bannister said the man rolled an estimated 500m to 600m down the bank before coming to rest with serious back and internal injuries. Mr Bannister said St John officers gave the man pain relief until the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was able to pick him up.

Westpac crew chief Joe Naera said the normal helicopter, with winching ability, was busy elsewhere, so a backup helicopter attended.

The injured man's fellow forestry workers had to clear a patch of scrub down the bank in order for it to land.

The man was flown to Middlemore Hospital.