An elderly farm worker has been seriously injured by a charging bull.
Senior Sergeant Warwick Burr said police and ambulance were called to a rural Wairarapa property on State Highway 2, 10 kilometres north of Masterton about 12:45pm.
"It appears cattle were being loaded from a set of cattle yards onto a stock truck when a bull charged at the 79-year-old man. The bull repeatedly charged at the man until other people present were able to get the animal out of the yards."
Senior Sergeant Burr says the bull charged at other farm workers and a vehicle, and at a police vehicle when it arrived at the scene. The bull was then shot by police.
"The victim has been airlifted to Wellington Hospital after suffering serious injuries to his head and body and is currently described as being in a critical condition."
