Federated Farmers has backed calls to stop the axing of rescue helicopter services in some regions, including Rotorua and Taupo.
Existing rescue helicopter services in Rotorua, Taupo, Te Anau, and Coromandel could be cut and replaced with larger area contracts under the National Ambulance Sector Office (NASO) proposal.
NASO said the current model was financially unsustainable long-term, and wanted all rescue choppers to be twin-engined.
Federated Farmers president Katie Milne said saving lives was more important than saving dollars, and that should be reflected in decisions about the nation's rescue helicopter services.
Milne said farmers were concerned that centralising services would increase flight times, and increase risk of fatalities.