A 39-year-old man was assaulted by men with a machete and steel pipe in Opotiki last night.
He sustained serious leg and arm injuries. The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter flew him to Tauranga Hospital.
The rescue helicopter also helped a man who got in trouble while kayaking at Matata about 6.30 last night.
![Coastguard help a man who got in trouble while kayaking at Matata. Photo/Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/WWNWEUCUX7S7AOC33ES7VVBVC4.jpg?auth=7cb291c3bc90a40285643d7742050083381dd359c738f8a30dc295a26e2387b7&width=16&height=8&quality=70&smart=true)
He called for assistance on a hand-held radio. The helicopter and Whakatane and Maketu Coastguard were sent.