A farmer was airlifted out of a gorge near Rangiwahia today (Tuesday, December 30).
The man had been staying with friends on a farm bordering the gorge while recovering after a recent trip to hospital.
He went missing from the farm but was located by his friends with minor injuries about 30m down a bank near the bottom of the gorge.
The Kimbolton police officer responded in the first instance around 8.30am, then called for assistance from the Rangiwahia Volunteer Fire Brigade due to the rugged nature of the terrain.
An ambulance was dispatched from Taihape.
Palmerston North Search and Rescue were also notified as were the high angle rope rescue teams from the Palmerston North Fire Service and the Palmerston North Rescue Emergency Support Team (R.E.S.T.)
The Square Trust Rescue Helicopter with an advanced paramedic and police SAR crew were able to get to the area through a break in the weather and were able to extract the injured man with the longline.
Approximately 30 people from seven different agencies assisted with the operation.
The 58-year-old man was rescued around 1.30pm and flown to Palmerston North Hospital where he is currently described as being in a stable condition.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.