A man is in hospital after accidentally stabbing himself while skinning a pig.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was called to Te Kaha Medical Centre at about 1pm yesterday, after a 24-year-old man reported with a potentially life-threatening injury.

The man sustained an injury to one of the major vessels in his thigh, says a spokesperson for the rescue helicopter.

The man was stabilised by St John paramedics and a local doctor before being flown to Tauranga hospital for further treatment.

The helicopter was called due to the nature of the injury and distance to the required hospital.