Hawke's Bay farmer attacked by large bull

The man was flown by the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter to Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital. Photo / Supplied

A man in his 60s has been attacked by a large bull on a Hawke's Bay farm this morning.

The man, 68, suffered chest injuries in the attack on Sherenden farm, west of Napier.

He was flown by the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter to Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital about 8.25am.

The man was in a "stable and comfortable condition, and is highly likely to be discharged this afternoon", Hawke's Bay District Health Board spokesman Anna Kirk said.

Federated Farmers health and safety spokeswoman Katie Milne said bulls could sometimes "get stroppy at the drop of a hat", but suffering severe injuries from the animals was not common in New Zealand.

"Full-on attacks like that are quite rare."

Bulls could weigh up to a tonne, she said.

"You do not want to get on the wrong side of them."