A man has been flown to Nelson Hospital with serious injuries after a dog attack in Motueka.
Police say the 71-year-old was walking to his letterbox when a dog jumped over the fence and attacked him at about 5pm on Wednesday.
A young woman who was nearby beat the dog away with a stick.
Police took the man to a local medical centre, where he was picked up by a rescue helicopter.
A St John paramedic, Matt Wilkinson, says the man's injuries are serious, but he is in a stable condition.
He says he suffered defensive injuries to his forearm and hands, as well as injuries to his lower legs.
A dog ranger caught the three-year-old mixed breed dog and impounded it.
Police say the attack will be investigated.