Forest worker badly injured

A forestry worker has been seriously injured in a logging accident in the Far North.

The accident occurred about 11.30am yesterday near Otaenga Rd, Awarua, 20km south of Kaikohe.

Details were still sketchy yesterday but it is thought the worker was struck by a log as it was being hauled up a hill.

St John Ambulance medics stabilised the man, who was flown to Whangarei Hospital by the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter.

He had to be winched on board because there was no place for the helicopter to land.

The Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade was called out to help move the badly injured worker.

The Labour Group of the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (the former Labour Department) has been notified of the accident and will investigate.