Otaki MP Tim Costley is urging people to give emergency services space, after a reported helicopter crash near Paekakariki Hill Road, north of Wellington

Police received an automated alert at 7.30am, and are now being assisted by search and rescue helicopters, and fire and emergency crew.

Costley, a former Air Force pilot, says it's revived memories of losing friends in a nearby crash in 2010.

He says his thoughts are with those involved, and there'll be families involved so people need to make sure there's really clear information.