Paraglider dies in Nelson accident

A Tahunanui paraglider has died in a crash near Nelson this afternoon.

The crash happened shortly after 3pm on farmland at Wakapuaka, 13km northeast of Nelson.

Sergeant Shane Miles said the man was kite boarding when an extreme wind gust lifted him high off the ground.

"He then came into contact with trees and the ground before coming to rest some distance away in farm land."

Police, ambulance and fire services were called to the scene but the man was dead on arrival.

The man's wife was present at the time and is being supported by family and victim support.

The death has been reported to the coroner and any witnesses to the accident are encouraged to contact police.

- NZPA