Dogs were flying over the Taieri on Wednesday.

The Dunedin police’s tactical dog team was working with Helicopters Otago as part of their annual training to practice winching and safety, and to get their dogs accustomed with being in a helicopter. 

Police dog handler Simi Volavola with his dog Ovi getting winched up by Helicopters Otago pilot Sam Lukoszek during a training exercise at the Taieri Airfield on Wednesday. Photo: Peter McIntosh

Dunedin dog section supervisor Sergeant Mike Calvert said they did helicopter safety and winching to keep current in their training.

“So when we need to use or deploy with a helicopter they have the know how to do it.”