A man is in hospital in a critical but stable condition after seriously injuring his neck diving into a swimming pool.
A rescue helicopter was dispatched to Te Puke at 7.45pm yesterday after the 38-year-old man was hurt.
The Fire Service cordoned off a nearby park for the helicopter to land while St John paramedics stabilised him and drove him there.
Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter says the seriousness of the injury meant the patient had to be flown to Middlemore Hospital's spinal unit.
The flight required the use of night vision goggles.
A hospital spokeswoman said the man remained in a critical but stable condition and was believed to be a visitor from overseas.