The pilot was able to climb out of the wreckage, but was hurt in the crash, police say. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A pilot has been injured in a microlight crash near Kaikohe, in the Far North, while worker in Whangārei has been critically injured.
The light aircraft crashed into a potato paddock next to State Highway 12, and opposite Kaikohe Golf Course, about 3pm on Thursday, a police spokesman said.
The pilot suffered moderate injuries in the crash but managed to get out of the wreckage before emergency services arrived.
St John Ambulance, Kaikohe Fire Brigade and police were at the scene.
The Civil Aviation Authority had been notified.
The nearby Kaikohe Aerodrome, just south of the town, is a popular base for light planes and gliders.
Worker critically injured in Whangārei
Also in Northland on Thursday afternoon, a worker suffered life-threatening injuries in an accident involving a cherrypicker.
Police said the accident occurred about 3.30pm on Port Road, in Whangārei's industrial area.
The man was trapped in the cherrypicker for about 10 minutes before he could be freed, unconscious but still breathing.
He was taken to Whangārei Hospital by St John Ambulance in a critical condition.
WorkSafe has been notified.