The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter has been kept busy in the lead-up to the weekend.
The rescue helicopter was dispatched three times on Friday.
The first was about11am to rescue a man who had fallen from his kayak.
The 72-year-old had been had been kayaking with a group down the Whakatane River from Rautahuna, when he fell from his kayak and became wet and cold.
The group lit a fire to dry him out and called for help, as he was unable to continue due to a sore back.