Hawke's Bay's rescue helicopter was used 319 times last year to help people - and now they are asking for your help.
As part of this month's nationwide Westpac Chopper Appeal, the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Trust is asking locals to give generously and get behind their local helicopter.
More than 5500 rescue missions were undertaken by local rescue helicopters around New Zealand last year, including 319 in the Hawke's Bay region.
The appeal aims to raise funds and continued awareness for the 10 charitable rescue helicopter trusts operating around the country, with all donations going back to the region they are collected from.
Westpac's Sue Foley said New Zealand's rescue helicopter services were paramount to the many life or death situations thousands of Kiwis faced each year.