Rescue Helicopter Open Day draws hundreds to Rotorua's Village Green

Getting up close and personal with a rescue chopper, police dogs taking down an offender, and firefighters rushing off to a call out were just some of the sights on display in Rotorua on Saturday.

The annual Rescue Helicopter Open Day drew hundreds of people and dozens of emergency service personnel to the Village Green for a day of fun-filled learning about the role of emergency services.

The event was held as part of Rotorua Children's Weekend, two days of free events planned to celebrate national Children's Day.

Emily Hilditch, 11, meets police dog Cato. Photo/Ben Fraser

The police dogs proved to be crowd favourites, as was a competition to win a ride to school in an ambulance.

Emergency service staff also showcased their skills in a series of displays, including one involving police dogs being put through their paces as they took down an "offender" to cheers from the crowd.

Martin kids. Isabelle, 5, Lauren, 3, and Kadin, 8, Photo/Ben Fraser

BayTrust Rescue Helicopter crewman Callan Carn-Bennett said the day had been going well, and it was good the weather had held out.

He said it was good for young people in particular to interact with emergency services outside of an emergency situation.

Police dog handlers run through a drill, much to the delight of the watching crowd. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

"It's pretty big for them."

Over at the Rotorua Emergency Response Team tent, response team manager Pauline Hitchcock said it was a good chance for the team to recruit new members.

The recruitment drive had proved successful, with 10 people signing up by mid afternoon, she said.

Fire service display. Photo/Ben Fraser

The crowd also got a chance to see firefighters respond to a real emergency, with a fire crew having to pack up and rush off to attend a car crash shortly after lunch.

Other events held as part of Rotorua Children's Weekend on Saturday included celebrations of Peru, the Philippines, Native America, France, England, and Aotearoa at the Arts Village, and a celebration of fun in the water at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre.