At approximately 1.30pm (Monday, 31 March) a Personal Locator Beacon signal was picked up by the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ.
The Greenlea Rescue helicopter from Taupo was sent to the location of the signal with a paramedic on board and a Land Search and Rescue team was put on standby.
Meanwhile further information was received by phone indicating that one man had been injured with a firearm in a hunting accident.
The location of the beacon was identified as a remote area of bush south east of Opotiki. One man has been flown to Rotorua Hospital in a serious condition.
An investigation into the circumstances of the incident has been initiated. No further information is available at this stage and no further details of the injured man will be released at this stage.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.