The Trustpower TECT Rescue helicopter sprang into action over the weekend after a crash involving a motocross rider.

The Tauranga-based chopper was dispatched to Lake Matahina in the Eastern Bay of Plenty on Sunday in response to the incident at an organised trail ride event.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue helicopter flew to Lake Matahina yesterday. Photos: Supplied.

A 56-year-old Waimana man collided with a tree while riding through a forest in the area, and suffered serious spinal injuries as a result.

The man was flown directly to Auckland's Middlemore Hospital

The swift action was taken by the helicopter's pilot following a recently introduced policy for spinal injury management.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island.

For further information, visit: http://rescue.org.nz