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Tairawhiti's rescue helicopter service is sounding the alarm that lives are at risk due to its inability to fly in low cloud.
As early as last week, it had to abandon a potential rescue of people needing help.
Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust needs big bucks for a new chopper, and says it's becoming urgent with the region's roads continuing to crumble - leaving no other way out of some communities.
Reporter Lauren Crimp has more.