Dune surfer critical after tumble

A man has suffered serious head injuries after falling off a boogie board while surfing sand dunes in the Far North.

People on the Opononi side of the Hokianga Harbour reported seeing a body on the dunes just before 1pm.

St John Ambulance spokesman Murray Bannister says a boat took an ambulance crew from Rawene across to the man. He says it appears the man had been sliding down the sand dunes when the board he was riding dug into the sand and he fell off, hitting his head.

Mr Bannister says the man was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital in a critical condition.

- NEWSTALK ZB