A Tauranga woman who went into premature labour was rushed to the National Women's Hospital this morning.

A Philips Search and Rescue Trust spokesperson says the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to transfer the 28-year-old woman from Tauranga Hospital to the women's hospital in Auckland.

'The woman was in premature labour and required specialist care at the National Women's Hospital.”

The spokesperson says the helicopter was used due to the urgent nature of the patient's condition.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust is a charitable organisation which operates rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. For more information about the trust visit: rescue.org.nz