Matthew Scott, aged 32, remains in a serious condition following an incident at Mangawhai Bar a week ago. According to one witness, he collided head-first into the sand after encountering another surfer. It appears he has suffered a critical spinal injury.

Matt is a member and lifeguard from Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service. Matt and his family are long-serving and valued members of the club.

Matt was swiftly rescued with the aid of fellow surfers and the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service. They managed to transport him to an ambulance and subsequently to a rescue helicopter, which swiftly conveyed him to Middlemore Hospital within the hour.

Matt has undergone surgery since then, but his long-term prognosis remains uncertain and will only become clear with time.

A Giveallittle page has been set up to raise funds to help with Matt's recovery and rehabilitation. Find out more here:

https://givealittle.co.nz/.../help-support-matt-scotts...

There is now also a Trademe auction to help to raise funds for his recovery, to view click here.