A seriously injured motorcyclist was flown from Waimana in the Eastern Bay of Plenty to Tauranga hospital today.

A 21 year old motorcyclist was involved in collision with a car at the intersection of Waimana Road and SH2, south of Tanueatua. Tauranga based Trustpower TECT Rescue helicopter was dispatched at about 12:45 pm.

The scene at Waimana as paramedics stabilise the injured man for the flight. Picture: Trustpower TECT Rescue.

The rider suffered serious arm and leg injuries and was stabilised at the scene by St John paramedics, says rescue helicopter pilot Todd Dunham.

New Zealand fire service closed the road so the helicopter could land close to the scene. The helicopter was called due to the serious nature of the injuries and distance to the required hospital for further treatment which was Tauranga hospital.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. Special thanks to Tauranga's principal sponsors, Trustpower and TECT. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website http://rescue.org.nz.