A skydiver has been flown to hospital with multiple serious injuries after his parachute failed over Motueka airport.

Emergency services were called to the upper South Island airport at about 2pm after the man landed heavily on grass.

Police said the man’s main parachute had failed to open properly.

His first attempt to open his reserve parachute was unsuccessful.

It eventually opened automatically just 200 metres above the ground, police said.

“It slowed his descent however he still landed heavily.”

Police said the man was treated by skydivers and a doctor before paramedics arrived.

St John’s Ambulance spokesman Ian Henderson said the man received multiple injuries, including possible damage to his back.

The Summit Rescue Helicopter was transporting him to Nelson Hospital.

The injured man was thought to have been participating in the 11th annual Good Vibes skydiving festival.

It is being held from today until Sunday at Motueka Airport.

By Hayden Donnell – Herald Online