Man attacked with machete and steel pipe in Opotiki

The man was attacked with a machete. Photo / File

A 39-year-old man was assaulted by men with a machete and steel pipe in Opotiki last night.

He sustained serious leg and arm injuries. The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter flew him to Tauranga Hospital.

The rescue helicopter also helped a man who got in trouble while kayaking at Matata about 6.30 last night.

Coastguard help a man who got in trouble while kayaking at Matata. Photo/Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter

He called for assistance on a hand-held radio. The helicopter and Whakatane and Maketu Coastguard were sent.

The man activated a smoke flare when the helicopter arrived. A rescue swimmer was sent from the helicopter and waited with the man for the Coastguard to arrive.

He was taken by boat to Whakatane.