A Marlborough forestry worker was nearly scalped when he was hit by a falling tree.
Geoff Vanstone, 24, was flown to Wellington Hospital with serious head, shoulder and chest injuries after he was hit on Tuesday during clear felling operations.
The accident happened near Okaramio, north-west of Blenheim.
Nelson MarlboroughSt John Ambulance acting district operations manager Lindsay McCaw told the Marlborough Express Mr Vanstone's head was "degloved", meaning the scalp was pulled back on his head.
He said Mr Vanstone was expected to survive.
Labour Department acting services manager for health and safety Nelson Marlborough Annette Baxter said a report on the accident would be released within six months.
