Man critical after powered parachute crashes in Waikato

A man has been transported to hospital in a critical condition following a powered parachute crash in the Waikato.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the crash in Tuakau around 10.15am to assist a male patient in his 50s whose powered parachute had crashed.

Witnesses at the scene are said to have seen him take off, then fall heavily from a height of about 10 metres.

He is then said to have turned on descent and hit a bollard.

The man received multiple injuries and was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition.

Emergency paramedics were also at the scene to assist with tending to the patient.

A man has been transported to hospital in a critical condition after his powered parachute crashed at Tuakau in the Waikato.

Witnesses at the scene are said to have seen him take off, then fall heavily from a height of about 10 metres.