The Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter was dispatched at 6pm on Saturday to Poripori Road, where a 28-year-old male had suffered a serious back injury.

The man was swimming at a waterhole, near Poripori Bridge, and jumped into the water where it was too shallow.

He impacted on the rocks, causing a serious injury to his back.

Due to the location in a steep gorge, the rescue helicopter utilised the Port of Tauranga rescue winch and lowered a paramedic down to the man.

The man was stablised and then extracted from the scene, along with the paramedic.

He was flown to Tauranga Hospital for further assessment.

The rescue helicopter was also dispatched at 11.30pm on Saturday to Whakatane Hospital for an urgent transfer of a 12-year-old girl.

The girl had suffered serious head and face injuries after a fall from a motorbike. The girl was under the care of the on board Flight Nurse and was flown on a rapid response flight to Waikato Hospital for specialised treatment.