Walker falls 2m and paraglider crashes into hill prompting air rescue operations

Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crews attend to a woman on Karioitahi Beach, west of Auckland, on Sunday after she crashed while paragliding. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been busy today with two separate rescues, one involving a fallen walker and another involving a paraglider who crashed into a hill near Karioitahi.

The first rescue, at 11.30am, saw rescue staff aiding a woman in her 60s who had fallen 2m from a walking track and landed on her head.

She sustained multiple injuries and was carried out by Fire Emergency New Zealand to the rescue helicopter and transported to Auckland City Hospital in a special stokes basket stretcher in a serious condition.

The other rescue, at 3.40pm, saw rescue crews aid a woman in her 20s who crashed into the side of a hill near Karioitahi while attempting to make her descent in her paraglider.

A member of the public who made the emergency call used GPS co-ordinates from their watch to guide emergency services to the remote location.

The woman was also carried by fire crews to the helicopter, which had landed at the top of the hill.

She was transported to Middlemore Hospital in a moderate condition.