A 13-year-old girl suffering from breathing problems had to be airlifted to Whakatane Hospital overnight.

The Tauranga-based Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the tiny settlement of Te Arararoa on the East Cape at about 6.30pm.

Night vision goggles were used to help fly a teenager to Whakatane Hospital overnight. File photo.

Pilot Todd Dunham says the girl required immediate hospital care.

'The flight was conducted using night vision goggles and the patient was flown to Whakatane Hospital.

'Due to the isolated area and time to drive the patient to hospital, the helicopter was tasked as being the most appropriate response.”