Man airlifted after machete injury

A man is recovering in Waikato Hospital after reports he had chopped his finger off while cutting scrub in the Wanganui National Park.

Waikato Hospital spokeswoman Mary Anne Gill said the man underwent an hour-and-a-half of surgery.

Contrary to information provided earlier, his finger was not cut off, she said.

She said the man was in a stable condition and will be seen by doctors this morning.

Youthtown Trust Rescue Helicopter pilot Hendry de Waal said the man was airlifted to hospital after cutting his finger with a machete.

Mr de Waal said the 37 year-old had a medical kit with him and was able to bandage the finger.

- NZ HERALD STAFF