Police praise actions of Wainuiomata man
1 July, 2010
Police are praising the actions of a member of the public, who did the right thing when he came across a woman, reported missing to Police late last night.
Police were notified around 11pm that a Wainuiomata woman aged 56, with severe medical conditions had gone missing from her home.
Police Operations Manager Inspector Mike Wright says a search began shortly after, involving Police members of Search and Rescue (SAR), Wainuiomata Police and local community patrols, headed by Sergeant Jo Holden of SAR.
“We spent the best part of five hours searching for this woman in freezing temperatures until we got a call just before 4am that a kind member of the public had located the missing woman about 1.5 kilometres from her home.”
“A young local man was heading home from work and noticed the woman sitting beside the road. He made the right decision to stop and help and we want to publicly thank him for his actions.”
Inspector Wright says the man took the woman to the local service station and explained the situation before contacting Police.
“The woman was in a disorientated and confused state and was pleased to be returned safely to her family.”
Mike Wright says this young man’s choice to stop and help averted what could have been a tragedy. Police were actively searching at the time but this young man happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Waihi death not suspicious
28 June, 2010
The death of a farmer near Waihi overnight is not considered suspicious.
Sergeant Dave Litton of the Waihi Police said emergency services were alerted that the 61-year-old man had a problem after he had rung his family from the back of his 500 acre farm that he wasn’t feeling well and had chest pains about 4pm.
“Family members drove to the farm and were joined by neighbors and a search for the man commenced but they were unable to locate the man.
Mr Litton said a search operation was launched utilising Police staff, the Auckland based Westpac Rescue and Police Eagle helicopters and SAR volunteers from Waihi, Paeroa, Thames, Pauanui and Hamilton.
“In all around 40 people were involved in the operation, the man was found deceased in a paddock about 1km from the end of Willow Rd.
“There are no suspicious circumstances related to his death which has been reported to the Coroner. At this point we would like to express the gratitude of Eastern Waikato Police to all the volunteers, and their families, who came together to bring last night’s operation to a timely conclusion and express our sympathies to the bereaved family.”
Missing Man Located on Mt Hutt
June 15, 2010
Police are attending a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash on the Mount Hutt access road.
A 60 year old Christchurch man was reported missing last night after he failed to return from a day at Mount Hutt.
Searchers found him deceased in his vehicle off the side of the access road around 3.30am this morning.
Search at Lake Mahinapua, Tasman District
14 June, 2010
On the 13th June 2010 Hokitika Police received a report of an abandoned vehicle at Lake Mahinapua. The circumstances gave Police reason to have concerns for the occupant’s safety. A search was subsequently commenced in and around the Lake.
This initial Police search involved the use of Volunteer Coastguard vessels from Greymouth and Lake Brunner searching the lake and shoreline. Volunteer Land SAR dogs were also used to search surrounding area. The search was suspended for the night once those tasks had been completed.
The Police Dive Squad arrived at Lake Mahinapua on the 14th. At about 11.00am the dive squad located a body in about 3 metres of water just to the south of Lake Mahinapua jetty.
This matter has been referred to the coroner and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
Weather Prevents Evacuation of Heart Attack Patient
14 June, 2010
Inclement weather meant a man believed to have suffered a minor heart-attack had to spend an uncomfortable two nights on Mt Pirongia waiting medical evacuation.
Waikato Police Search and Rescue Coordinator, Constable Dave Pitchford, said four men had been climbing the mountain on Friday night, heading towards a hut.
“During the climb one of their party, a man aged in his forties, has complained of chest pains and as his condition worsened his colleagues became concerned for his well being.
“The group phoned 111 and raised the alarm with ambulance staff who directed the group to make their way to a clearing with the intention of getting a helicopter up there to lift him out but unfortunately the weather closed in and the chopper was unable to get to the group.”
Mr Pitchford said the group bivvied up for the night and in the morning continued up to the hut, a further attempt to get to the man was unsuccessful and in the afternoon a paramedic and search and rescue member made their way up to the hut and stabilised the man.
“About 40 SAR personnel were by then on standby to go in and carry out a stretcher borne evacuation, the large number of people was required due to the difficult terrain.
“Fortunately for all concerned, about 7am Sunday a break in the weather allowed the helicopter to get through and the man was taken off the mountain and transferred to Waikato Hospital.”
Mr Pitchford said the events over the weekend were a good example of why people shouldn’t go into the bush alone and the importance of being well prepared.
Motorcyclists rescued
6 June, 2010
Central Otago Police were left shaking their heads in disbelief after having to rescue a large number of motorcyclists who became trapped in snow after ignoring road closed signs on the Dansys Pass road on Saturday night.
Police were advised about 6.40pm that a large number of motorcyclists were trapped in deep snow on the road between the Hotel and the summit.
The group whose ages ranged from early 20’s to mid 70’s had intended travelling over the pass to a motor cycle event in Central Otago. They became trapped just below the summit at lunchtime and had spent several hours on foot trying to walk the 14kms through snow to the Hotel.
A search and rescue operation was launched with Police, Ambulance, SAR volunteers, the local 4 wheel drive club, a commercial grader and a local farmer with a large tractor all helping in the search and recovery. A helicopter was requested but then stood down in the conditions with searchers having to go in by road.
Police and SAR staff in 4×4’s managed to travel up the road approx 2 kms from the Dansys Pass Hotel and found a group of 20 riders.
With deep snow further up a large tractor and the grader were then used to take searchers up the road where 3kms further up a group of 3 riders were located walking and then another 3 riders were found sheltering near the roadway 6kms up.
Searchers continued up to ensure all persons were located and accounted for and found the snow near the summit shoulder deep in places.
The riders were all extremely cold and tired and very grateful to see the searchers. They had been trying to walk through snow for some 7 hours at that stage in freezing conditions and were nearing the end of their endurance.
All were taken back to the Dansys Pass Hotel to warm up and after a warm drink and something to eat none needed any further medical attention.
The Dansys Pass road had been closed last week because of the road conditions and Police have established that there are locked gates on each side of the pass which these riders had come across but managed to bypass, along with at least three road closed signs that they had passed and ignored.
“Their decision to travel that road past warning signs and locked gates is foolish to say the least and could well have resulted in the loss of life. They not only put themselves at risk but caused others to have to risk the conditions to rescue them.”
Police are extremely grateful to the Hotel Owners who allowed their Hotel to become a search base and the other local’s and organisations that provided machinery and local knowledge to help the successful rescue.
Police are reviewing the incident but charges are unlikely against any of the riders.
“At the end of the day they made a bad decision and they will have to answer to their families and peers for that. I hope this will be a learning curve for those involved.
I’m sure a donation to the local Maniototo Search and Rescue organisation would be appreciated by the local community, but that is a matter for them.
We got everyone out safely and for all the people involved in the rescue that is reward enough.”
S&R recover body of missing hunter
6 June, 2010
Search and Rescue teams have recovered the body of a missing hunter in the Clyde River Valley in Mid Canterbury.
A 50 year old Levin man was reported missing from the McCoy Hut on Saturday morning 05/06/10.
He was last seen by his hunting companions at approximately 10.00 am on Friday 04/06/10. He had been hunting alone.
Search and Rescue teams involving LandSAR and Police personnel were alerted and deployed to the search area yesterday.
Three helicopters and approximately 40 LandSAR and Police personnel, including search dog teams, were involved in the operation.
A fourth RNZAF Iroquois helicopter was enroute to the incident from Ohakea airbase but was stood down when the body was located.
The cause of death is unknown. The matter has been reported to the Coroner. Next of kin are in the process of being advised and his name will be released in due course.
Conditions in the search area were poor, with cold temperatures, snow, and poor visibility. The terrain is mountainous and there is snow and ice on the ground.
A cold front and more snow is expected to hit the area later today and the searchers were pleased to locate the man, given the conditions.
The body was found on a steep and slippery slope and was recovered by a specialist alpine and cliff rescue team from Christchurch.
Father and son found safe
A father and son were found safe – but very cold and wet – after spending the night in bush around Lake Rotoma, near Whakatane. They became lost while collecting piko piko last night.
Sergeant Andrew O’Reilly, the Search and Rescue Co-ordinator for Eastern Bay of Plenty, says the 48 year old man and his seven year old son entered the bush at around 7pm. Police were alerted when they hadn’t returned by 11pm.
“The Search and Rescue team were deployed and were in the bush by midnight in conditions that could only be described as disgusting. There was heavy rain and it was very cold.”
Sergeant O’Reilly says the pair were found at 7:30am this morning.
“They, along with our Search and Rescue and Police teams, were cold and wet, but otherwise unhurt.
“Last night’s operation serves as a good reminder to people that if they are going into the bush – for whatever reason and in whatever conditions – to prepare for the absolute worst.
“Check the forecast, make sure you have plenty of warm clothing and wet weather gear, take a compass, and ensure that someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back.
“We want people to enjoy the great outdoors, but we also want people to be safe.”
Twelve Search and Rescue volunteers and two Police were involved in the physical search operation at Lake Rotoma, while a further Police and civilian team managed the operation from Whakatane.
Dumped distress beacon wastes time and resources
31 May, 2010
Tauranga Search and Rescue were called out today after aircraft flying into Tauranga and Rotorua reported they were receiving a signal from an emergency locator beacon from within the greater Tauranga Area.
This beacon was not being picked up by satellite and was assumed to be an old 121MHz model, which is no longer monitored.
Tauranga Coast Guard, using direction finding equipment, spent just over two hours sweeping the harbour up to Katikati trying to locate the source without success.
Specialist radio signal tracking equipment was brought over from Hamilton by the RCCNZ (Rescue Coordination Centre), which narrowed the signal down to the Te Maunga Refuse Centre on Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui.
While the operator was there, the signal stopped and it is presumed the beacon was disabled as refuse was being crushed at the time.
Western Bay of Plenty SAR Coordinator Sergeant Craig Madden says disposing of an emergency location beacon in this way was careless and irresponsible.
“Anyone still in possession of the older 121 or 243 MHz distress beacon should hand them in to either the local Police Station or your local Coast Guard for deactivation prior to disposal.”
The new emergency beacons operating on 406 MHz have been the only beacon monitored by RCCNZ since 1 February 2009.
“The new 406 has considerably greater advantages, with its signal being picked up by Satellite within minutes. In addition, each signal sends a unique identification code with it so if it is registered with RCCNZ, details of the owner and their known activities , significantly reducing the time rescuers located the party in distress.
Search for Missing Cemetery Visitor Continues
20 May, 2010
Police are planning to revisit the Makara Cemetery grounds today to continue searching for an elderly man last seen there yesterday afternoon.
The man had been part of a group taken to the grounds by bus, but he failed to show up at the agreed leaving time.
Thirty search and rescue personnel from Police and NZ Land Search and Rescue searched the cemetery yesterday until the early hours this morning without success.
The man’s identity was not known and there was no record of who was on the bus. The man was described as 60-70-years-old, about 182cm tall, with gray hair and tan or off-white trousers. He was also carrying a green umbrella.
Wellington Police would also like to speak with passengers who travelled in the same bus as the man. Police urge those people to contact the Wellington Police (04) 381 2000.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who may know the identity or the whereabouts of this man.
Elderly Woman Missing in Helensville
17 May, 2010
Police are appealing to the public for any sightings or knowledge of the whereabouts of an elderly Helensville woman who is reported missing from her residence at the Parakai Rest Home.
ALDER / Jeanette / Mary who is also known as Jeannette Gay is aged 80 years. She is a Caucasian female of heavy build with short grey hair.
Jeanette ALDER was last seen wearing a maroon coloured jersey, with white shirt underneath. Dark Trousers and dark coloured shoes.
Jeanette ALDER suffers from Dementia and as such could become vulnerable because of her state of health. She sometimes requires a walking stick for mobility.
Police say the last confirmed sighting of Jeanette ALDER was on Saturday 15 May 2010 at 10.00am by a caregiver at the Rest Home.
A further possible sighting is when a female fitting the missing woman’s desciption took a bus that departed Parakai on schedule at 10.47am.
The bus driver has confirmed this bus arrived in the Auckland CBD at 12.20pm. The driver has told police that a woman of similar description has got off the bus at the stop outside the Downtown shopping complex in Albert Street at this time.
There have been no further reported sightings of her since.
Security surveillance footage in the Downtown area is being accessed so that further information about the missing woman’s movements can be firmly established.
Eight members of the Police Search and Rescue Squad have been mobilised and an extensive search of the grounds at Parakai Rest Home, arterial and side roads, the area surrounding the Helensville Bridge and the riverside walkway has been completed today. Eagle has completed an aerial canvas along the Kaipara River.
A team of investigators from Rodney CIB are coordinating the ongoing enquiries by police throughout New Zealand. These include accommodation and medical venues in the Auckland CBD.
Jeanette ALDAR grew up in suburban St Heliers. She may be in this locality.
Anyone who has any knowledge of the whereabouts of Jeanette ALDER is urged to call Helensville Police on 09 420 8967 or Orewa Police on 09 426 4555 Immediately
-UPDATE- Jeanette ALDER is safe and well and being looked after in Picton.
Relatives have been informed and they will be travelling to Picton to assist with returning her to Helensville.
Police extend their thanks and appreciation to the public and the media for their valuable assistance with this missing person enquiry.
Queen Elizabeth Park, Kapiti Coast
16 May, 2010
About 4.30pm on 16 May 2010 Police the Police Central Communications Centre was advised of a missing 81 yr old male. The male was reported missing in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kapiti Coast.
The missing male was last seen at the carpark at the end of Whareroa Road near the beach. He had gone for a short walk along towards a river and was expected to return by 4.00pm. He was not dressed for the wet conditions and has not been seen since.
A Command Vehicle is on site, four Search teams have been deployed as well as the Westpac Rescue helicopter which has thermal imaging equipment on board.
-UPDATE-
Police searchers located the man’s body shortly before 9pm on Sunday night.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and the matter will be referred to the Coroner.
Police Search for Missing Woman
April 29, 2010
Police in Whanganui are searching for a woman who is believed to have been missing for 10 days.
On Monday, 19 April a bus driver spotted a woman sitting in a red Suzuki Stationwagon on SH4, at the Lismore intersection. He later noticed the same vehicle parked on Old Parapara Road by a small cluster of pine trees and assumed it had broken down.
Seeing it was still there yesterday (Wednesday, 28 April) he reported the vehicle to Police.
Police also received a report yesterday that 45-year-old Marice Jane McGregor, also known as Katrina, was reported missing by a relative, and enquiries show that the Suzuki car belongs to Miss McGregor.
Area Commander, Inspector Duncan MacLeod, said: “The length of time she appears to have been missing gives us serious concerns for Miss McGregor’s welfare. We have established that she spoke on 19 April to a female friend arranging to meet for coffee the following morning but Miss McGregor never turned up for that meeting. That is the last known contact she has had with anyone.”
A helicopter search is underway and Police divers are also preparing to search a waterway near where the vehicle was found. Miss McGregor’s home has already been searched and other enquiries are underway to try to locate her and piece together her recent movements.
Marice McGregor is described as European, 163cm tall and solid build with brown hair. It is not known what she would be wearing. She lives alone in Whanganui and has family and friends in the area but does not communicate with people easily.
Anyone with information about Marice McGregor that might assist in the Police search is asked to contact Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600.
120 Trampers Evacuated
April 26, 2010
One hundred and twenty trampers are this morning being evacuated from the Milford and Routeburn tracks by helicopter.
Heavy rain in the South Island has caused flooding in a number of major rivers, with forecasters saying there is more to come.
A Conservation Department spokeswoman said water levels had risen significantly, causing major flooding in the Milford area, with at least one bridge being swept away.
There were 40 walkers at each of the track’s three huts and they would be taken to the top of Lake Te Anau by helicopter.
There was “no other way” to get the walkers out, she said.
Conservation Department staff were heading out to assess the damage now.
Sergeant Todd Hollebon of Te Anau police said they had not been called in to help.
The MetService is forecasting a further 30 to 50mm in Southland and Central Otago, with more heavy rain expected in Westland and Fiordland today and tomorrow.
It is expected to be heaviest between Otira and George Sound, with up to 400mm possible today and tomorrow, the MetService said.
Missing Tramper Found Safe
April 26, 2010
The search for a tramper missing in Hawke’s Bay mountains was called off this morning after she was found safe and well.
Searchers were looking for Sally Ray, 57, after she failed to return to her car in the Triple X carpark yesterday following a tramp in the Ruahine Range west of Tikokino, 50km southwest of Hastings.
Police said Ms Ray had walked out of the bush to her car this morning, having spent the night in a hut.
National Award for Search and Rescue
April 23, 2010
The team responsible for solving a high-profile missing-tramper case in Mount Aspiring National Park received a national award this week for their efforts.
Christchurch Search and Rescue dog handler Dave Krehic and his charge Stig were presented with a New Zealand Search and Rescue Certificate of Achievement at a ceremony in Parliament on Tuesday.
The pair won the award for finding the remains of missing tramper Irina Yun in November.
Ms Yun went missing during heavy rain and gale-force winds on a section of the Cascade Saddle track in the Matukituki Valley on New Year’s Eve 2008.
In February, coroner David Crerar concluded Ms Yun had most likely been swept into a flooded Dart River while trying to cross a side creek.
Mr Krehic was involved in the first specialist search for Ms Yun, launched soon after she went missing.
The first search was hampered by bad weather, and did not turn up any signs of Ms Yun. But Mr Krehic had a strong feeling he could find her remains, and organised a self-funded, combined specialist search almost a year later.
“I organised a search which used White Water Rescue, Alpine Cliff Rescue and myself as a dog specialist,” he said.
“Usually, the specialist teams work separately, but the ravine that we suspected Ms Yun’s remains were in needed to be tackled by a combined effort, which ended up paying off.”
Three kilometres into the 7km ravine, the highly experienced team found the terrain too difficult to continue searching in, so resumed the search starting from the ravine’s bottom.
“We had 4km to cover, and started finding indicators that remains might be there almost straight away,” Mr Krehic.
The team successfully recovered the remains of Ms Yun not far from the point they had to leave the ravine in the first phase of the search.
Wanaka police offered to pay the costs of the private search, which was divided equally among the specialists involved, but the costs were paid for by an anonymous person, Mr Krehic said.
“There are so many passionate people involved in search and rescue, and so much support out there for the searchers involved but, at the end of the day, in a situation like this we were able to provide closure for Ms Yun’s family, and that was a huge achievement,” Mr Krehic said.
Injured Hunter Airlifted Out
April 20, 2010
A seriously injured hunter was last night airlifted to safety from the Fiordland bush after a tricky rescue mission.
The 54-year-old Australian man set off his emergency locator beacon from the George River area just after 7pm, said Keith Allen, of the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).
The beacon alert coincided with a call from the South Island Mountain Radio Service, advising that the hunter had a broken leg.
A helicopter with night vision equipment was sent in but the rescue was “not straight forward” because the machine could not get close enough to winch the man out of the bush.
“The hunter’s injuries were also worse than at first thought, with a badly broken leg, fractured pelvis and suspected internal injuries sustained after falling over a bluff,” Mr Allen said.
“The rescue team then had to go in on foot and move the injured man to a more suitable spot so the helicopter could gain access, where the winch still needed to be extended to its longest reach.”
Mr Allen said one of the rescue crew then had to spend a night camped at the rescue site to make room for the injured man and his companion.
The pair were flown to Southland Hospital in Invercargill late last night, where the man was treated.
The helicopter returned to the rescue site early this morning to pick up the crew member and retrieve the man’s rifle and pack.
“Thanks to the hunter being well prepared by carrying an emergency beacon and mountain radio, we were able to launch a rescue mission and reach him relatively quickly, which probably saved his life,” Mr Allen said.
Missing trampers found
April 19, 2010
Police confirm two trampers missing at the Pinnacles at Wairarapa’s Cape
Palliser have been found safe and well.
Senior Sergeant Murray Johnston, who has been co-ordinating the Wairarapa
Land SAR search, says the women were well-equipped for a day trip and their
emergency clothing kept them comfortable and warm overnight.
“Both women had extra polypropylene clothing and coats, so they were
sufficiently prepared and comfortable overnight when they took a wrong turn
and became lost.”
Senior Sergeant Johnston says the women found their way to Cape Palliser Road
near the washpool stream after spending the night in a trampers hut. Police
are speaking with them to establish their movements.
Senior Sergeant Johnston says information about the women’s movements will be
forwarded to the Department of Conservation.
Family Located in Hunua Ranges
April 6, 2010
At 6.25pm Police received a report that a family of 6 where lost in the Hunua Ranges.
Search and Rescue were deployed in the ranges at 8pm.
The family was located by SAR at 10.45pm and they were walked out at 12.25am.
All family members are well and uninjured.
Missing Swimmer
April 5, 2010
A man believed to be in his early 20s is missing presumed drowned at Ngunguru, in the Whangarei District.
Police were alerted shortly after 2pm this afternoon that a group of 6 men had gone swimming in Ngunguru, and that one of their group had disappeared.
Coastguard, a helicopter, and a land Search and Rescue team were dispatched, but were unsuccessful in locating the missing swimmer.
The search will continue in the morning.
Missing Boys Found in Kaimais
March 23, 2010
Two missing boys were yesterday (Monday 22 March) found safe and well in bush in the Kaimai Ranges in the Bay of Plenty.
Katikati Police were informed at about 1:40pm on Monday afternoon that the two boys – a Canadian visitor aged eight years and an exchange student from Thailand aged 13 years were missing.
The boys, along with the eight year old’s mother and his Grandmother, went for a walk in the Kaimai bush at the end of Hot Springs Rd at about 10am.
The boys were allowed to run on ahead with instructions to meet up at the Tauhu Kauri Tree. When the mother and grandmother reached the Kauri tree, the boys were nowhere to be found.
They searched the area, but when they were unable to find the boys they returned and contacted police.
Tauranga Police SAR and Tauranga Land Search and Rescue volunteers were gathered at the Tauranga South Police Station for a briefing on the situation when the two boys were located by a local resident. He had heard about the missing pair and rode his horse along the track, finally catching up to the boys.
It is believed the boys failed to recognise the Kauri tree as their destination and had carried on walking past it, traveling deeper into the Kaimais towards the Waikato side.
The boys were about two hours walking time into the bush when located. They had no bush experience and only had light clothes.
Sergeant Craig Madden, Search and Rescue Coordinator for the Western Bay of Plenty, said it was lucky they were found so quickly as the weather forecast was for showers and strong winds in the higher areas.
“The boys would have struggled if they had been the night in the bush. This was a great outcome for everyone involved.”
Allergy Suffers Rescued
March 22, 2010
A Palmerston North man was flown to hospital yesterday after suffering an allergic reaction to wasp stings while tramping in the Wairarapa.
The 62-year-old was picked up by a Westpac rescue helicopter near the Waingawa River on the edge of the Tararua Forest Park. It was the second such rescue in 12 hours.
A 28-year-old woman was flown from a hut in the Orongorongos, near Wellington, early yesterday with a suspected allergic reaction to food.
Sick Tramper Airlifted
March 21, 2010
A tramper suffering an allergic reaction was flown out of the Orongorongos, east of Wellington, overnight by Westpac rescue helicopter crew using night vision goggles.
The emergency call was made at 12.30am after a 28-year-old Wellington woman staying in a hut was thought to be having an allergic reaction to something she had eaten.
With the aid of the night vision goggles, the helicopter crew was able to find a member of the tramping party who had made their way down to the river with a torch.
The helicopter landed on the river bank and treated the woman in the nearby hut before flying her to Wellington Hospital.
Land SAR Gets Boost from Lion Foundation
March 18, 2010
More than 300 New Zealanders were rescued in the last year from caves, cliffs, river corridors and other outdoor areas, thanks to New Zealand Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR). The Lion Foundation is helping continue this vital service by issuing a grant for valuable volunteer equipment.
3,000 trained LandSAR volunteers will be provided with waterproof notebooks for use in the field, thanks to a $9,795 grant from the charitable trust. Volunteers need to record all search and rescue details, often in poor weather, so waterproof notebooks will make that part of the task easier.
Hadyn Smith, CEO of LandSAR is very grateful to The Lion Foundation: “This grant will fund 5,000 notebooks to be distributed nationwide to our volunteers, as well as provided to the New Zealand Police SAR Squad members.
“This is truly something which will benefit every community in the country. The volunteers largely fund themselves and use their own equipment, so being able to provide them with items like the notebooks is hugely beneficial.”
Operating for 24 years and one of the country’s most widely respected community trusts, The Lion Foundation funds a wide range of arts, cultural, sporting, educational and health focused causes, by distributing back to the local community the funds raised through gaming venues around New Zealand.
The Lion Foundation Chief Executive Phil Holden says the charitable trust is proud to support New Zealand Land Search and Rescue.
“Enjoying outdoor pursuits is second nature to New Zealanders, and it’s reassuring to know that, should unforeseen situations arise, there are skilled volunteers on hand to help with search and rescue operations the length and breadth of the country. The Lion Foundation is proud to help these volunteers with equipment they require to help keep New Zealanders safe.”
Inquest Sparks Warning to Trampers
March 11, 2010
The Mountain Safety Council is reminding trampers of its Outdoor Safety Code in light of inquest findings into the deaths of former Te Papa boss Seddon Bennington and his companion Marcella Jackson.
The pair died of hypothermia after they were caught in blizzard-like conditions in the Tararuas on July 11 last year, while trying to reach Kime Hut. Their bodies were found four days later, 300m apart, about 1km from the hut.
In findings released yesterday, Coroner Tim Scott said that being poorly prepared and ill-equipped contributed to their deaths.
The key factors were a lack of equipment for adverse weather, as well as their failure to properly check the weather forecast or take cellphones, Mr Scott said.
Search and Rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Noel Bigwood told the inquest their clothing and sleeping bags were inadequate and they did not carry a tent.
Neither tramper carried a compass, GPS device or mobile phone.
There were strong signals from both the Vodafone and Telecom networks in the area where they were found, he said.
Mountain Safety Council programme manager Chris Tews said the incident suggested a lack of care and preparation was taken in checking weather forecasts and assessing how the forecast snow and high winds were likely to affect the planned journey.
When venturing into the outdoors the council advises everyone to use the Outdoor Safety Code:
*Plan your trip.
*Tell someone about your plans and leave a date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.
*Be aware of the weather. Check the forecast and expect weather changes.
*Know your limits. Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.
*Take sufficient supplies. Make sure you have enough food, equipment and emergency rations for the worst case scenario.
* Take an appropriate means of communication.
Mistakes in Ruahine Ranges Maps
March 2, 2010
Mistakes made in maps of the Ruahine Range can put trampers’ lives at risk, the Manawatu Tramping Club says.
The latest official topographical map series included mistakes with tracks that have never existed or no longer exist, tracks put on the map in the wrong place, or tracks included that are no longer deemed safe to use, the Manawatu Standard reported.
The errors were discovered by chief guide Kim Fraser when she took some groups through the eastern side of the Ruahine Range.
Department of Conservation area manager Jason Roxburgh said the new maps had been created using the same technology as that used in GPS systems, mostly created by aerial photos.
He urged people who find mistakes to contact the department.
Land Information New Zealand, which produced the maps, said many tracks were hidden under native forest and therefore could not be seen from satellite imagery.
“We are reliant on up-to-date information being supplied to us from the Department of Conservation, tramping clubs, and individuals,” its national topographer Geoff Howard said.
Blackberry Hunt Initiates SAR Operation
March 1, 2010
A 37 year old Tauranga man sparked a full-scale search and rescue in Tauranga on Saturday evening, when he entered bush looking for Pikopiko. An associate of the missing male contacted police at 9pm on Saturday when he failed to locate his friend after searching for him for four hours.
Western Bay of Plenty Police Search and Rescue Coordinator, Sergeant Craig Madden says the pair had stopped at a reserve on Pye Pa Road, near Maungatoi Rd, to pick blackberries on Saturday afternoon.
“The missing man had ventured over to the far side of the reserve when, unbeknown to the associate, he entered the bush looking for Pikopiko. When he went to return he became disorientated and soon realised he was lost.”
Sergeant Madden says the man came across several logging tracks but was unable to navigate his way back to the road.
“He then came across the main logging road in the Mamaku Forest which he continued to follow throughout the night until he came out on SH5 west of Ngongataha. He was finally picked up by a motorist who dropped him off near Ngongataha.
“A second ride got him to the Tauranga Direct Road turnoff, with a third driver who dropped him off at his home in Judea at 11.30am Sunday morning.”
Tauranga Search and Rescue volunteers were still searching for him when informed by the man’s partner at 1pm that he had returned home.
Sergeant Madden says the man would have walked about 40 to 50 km to get back home.
When asked why he did not contact police or family as soon was he reached the main road, he said he didn’t think police would start looking for him so soon.
Sergeant Madden says police need to be informed as soon as parties realise someone is missing.
“The sooner we can establish a last known point we can contain the size of the search area. The longer someone is missing the bigger the search area becomes.”
Sergeant Madden says the man had no bush experience, but due to warm weather and the fact he had food and water with him, this contributed to a successful result
“If people become lost in the bush, the best thing to do is to remain where you are and make yourself as comfortable as possible, this increases the chances of being found quickly.
“Anyone entering the bush should take basic navigational equipment like a compass, and items such as mountain radios and personal locater beacons can be rented for those going on larger excursions. These greatly increase the chances of survival should things go wrong.
“Although this incident would not have warranted this type of equipment a basic compass would have prevent the male being disorientated in the first place.”
Girl lost in the Amazing Maze ‘n Maize
Feb 28, 2010
A search and rescue was launched yesterday afternoon (Saturday) after a 10-year-old girl was reported lost in the Amazing Maze ‘n Maize near Sanson.
The girl was rescued after she had fallen into a drain in the maze.
Covered in mud, she managed to get out of the drain and was spotted by a local.
Nelson Search and Rescue Caving Exercise goes Satellite
Feb 25, 2010
A homegrown solution that takes satellite provided high speed broadband internet access to rugged and inaccessible parts of New Zealand is to be used for the first time in a caving Search and Rescue exercise in Nelson during the weekend of 26 – 28 February.
The national exercise, held every three years, will take place at Takaka Hill and will be based around a scenario of a lost caver. Over seventy LandSAR volunteers from around the country, all trained cave rescue specialists, will take part.
The unique portable satellite unit will be based at the cave mouth and will provide a vital link back to the emergency control centre in Motueka.
For years, those involved in Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) have recognised the enormous potential value of broadband internet access to remote search sites. This would provide Search and Rescue staff with access to e mail, the telephone network and to web sites that can provide up to date information such as mapping, aerial photos, weather data and forecasts.
Satellite technology has been used in the past for telephone communications, but at a very high cost.
Alan Thompson, a volunteer with Wellington LandSAR for six years, turned his IT and telecommunication talents to the problem and came up with a typical Kiwi Number 8 wire solution: Portable satellite communications based on ‘off the shelf’ technology with proven reliable performance and New Zealand based support.
With sponsorship from Farmside, a rural communications provider that delivers high speed broadband via fixed satellite dish to into rural properties, Alan was the first in New Zealand to develop a system that was fully portable – and could be taken into remote and rugged search locations where it can be quickly deployed without specialist skills to provide vital information that can help save lives.
Farmside were very keen to be involved in the project. Tony Baird, Farmside CEO says the project has not only helped a vital New Zealand service find people faster and save lives, but also provided a perfect testing platform for Farmside technology.
“We have been delighted to play a role in bringing help to people even faster than with existing technology, and we have been able to confirm that adaptability of our satellite delivered broadband – it really does provide high speed broadband in the most challenging and unreachable terrain,” he says.
A satellite dish, a tripod and a box of electronics means search and rescue teams can now have communication from extremely isolated sites back to headquarters and can feed and receive a whole range of information via the IPstar satellite using Farmside sponsored equipment and bandwidth.
Alan Thompson says the huge benefit of the unique portable satellite system is that it opens up the power of the Internet to Search and Rescue staff who are at remote locations in the field.
The benefit alone of an Internet based phone connection to a remote search location can make a significant difference to the outcome of an operation. In addition, remote access to Internet based services such as e mail, Google, Google Earth, and SKYPE put the power of the Internet right at the front line of New Zealand Land Search and Rescue
15 year old swimmer missing
Feb 23, 2010
At 5:30pm on Tuesday 23rd February, a 15yr old male was swimming with his family upstream from the Old Waimakariri River Bridge. The male has failed to surface and police were called.
Off Duty Search and Rescue were close by and co-ordinated a search using boats from the Waimakariri Jet and Coastguard. A helicopter was also used in the search but was unable to locate the 15 year old person.
Police and search teams did not locate the male and the search has been called off for the night.
The police dive squad from Wellington has been deployed and will be resuming the search in the morning
No Sign of Missing Nelson Man
Feb 17, 2010
Police in Nelson are asking rural property owners to check sheds and garages in the ongoing search for missing man Leo Lipp-Neighbours.
19-year-old Leo has now been missing since Sunday 24th January 2010.
He was last seen at about 4.00am that Sunday morning when he left his flat alone and drove away in his distinctive orange Toyota Corolla station wagon, registration NQ7258. Leo or his car have not been seen since.
Police received a number of calls over the weekend in relation to possible sightings of the car, which extended as far north as Devonport, Auckland and as far south as Punakaiki, West Coast, South Island.
Police have followed up on the information provided by the public and have been able to eliminate these reported sightings.
A vehicle located upside down in the Wairau river by a local helicopter operator, on Monday 8th February, has also been eliminated from the search.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ian Langridge said a large search operation had so far found nothing:
“A huge part of the upper South Island has now been covered by air, road and foot. It’s hard to imagine where Leo’s distinctive car is and why we haven’t found it”.
In addition to the Search and Rescue volunteers walking the main arterial routes over the weekend, kayakers searched the Buller river which is very low and clear at the moment. No evidence was found of Mr Lipp-Neighbours car having entered the river.
“I ask that the owners of vacant properties and rural land owners in the Nelson Bays and Marlborough areas check any garages or farm sheds which haven’t been visited since the 24th January. It’s another possibility we wish to eliminate – Leo may have driven into a vacant property or rural shed and may still be there, which is why we haven’t found him”.
“Another possibility is that his car has gone into deep water along SH1 where the car would not be visible” said Mr Langridge
Any information in relation to Leo’s disappearance or information can be forwarded through Nelson Police.
SAR Members To Give Evidence at Bennington Inquest
Feb 16, 2010
Four search and rescue team members will give evidence at a coroner’s hearing into the death of Te Papa boss Seddon Bennington in Palmerston North today.
The two-day hearing will begin at 1pm with accounts from two police officers and two civilians involved in the search for Dr Bennington, 61, and his 54-year-old family friend Marcella Jackson.
Both died of hypothermia while on a weekend tramp from Otaki Forks to Kime Hut on July 11.
Their bodies were found just off the track four days after they went missing – a kilometre short of the hut and about 300 metres apart.
Four search and rescue teams comprising 14 people carried out the search.
The hearing will continue tomorrow with evidence from other trampers Dr Bennington and Ms Jackson met on their trip.
That will be followed by family and friends speaking about how experienced and prepared the pair were, as well as their attitude to tramping.
At an altitude of 1400 metres, Dr Bennington and Ms Jackson encountered 80kmh southerly winds that brought about snow, dropped temperatures to minus 20 degrees celsius and reduced visibility to almost zero.
Police had previously said they were not carrying a cellphone or locator beacon, but were otherwise well-equipped.
Dr Bennington was chief executive of Te Papa for 6½ years.
Two Hunters Missing in Taranaki
Feb 15, 2010
A search is under way for two hunters missing in North Taranaki.
Senior Sergeant Matt Prendergast said the pair failed to return from a day trip near Mokau yesterday.
A rescue helicopter is flying up the Mokau River, supported by ground searchers.
Lost Hunter Survived on Raw Eel
Feb 9, 2010 (NZ Herald)
A hunter who became lost in Waikato bush on Saturday lived on raw eel before being rescued late yesterday afternoon.
Jared Costello, 40, of Auckland, was hunting with a friend in Pureora Forest Park, west of Tokoroa, when they became separated on Saturday morning, Sergeant Phil Bell of Waikato police search and rescue said.
The friend returned to the bush that afternoon, having recruited another person to help search for Mr Costello. They fired shots to get his attention but could not find him.
On Sunday morning they emerged from the bush and raised the alarm.
A group of local search and rescue volunteers began hunting for Mr Costello and on Sunday were joined by others from surrounding areas taking the total to nearly 70 searchers, plus an air force helicopter.
He was found safe at a road on the park’s outskirts yesterday having made his way out of the forest.
“We’d found footprints in the bush and where he’d made camp Saturday night. Mr Costello told us he had become separated from his friend early on and lost his pack on the second day which search teams had recovered,” Mr Bell said.
“He’d done the right thing by making his way down from the rugged bush by following a stream, from a preventative perspective if he had been carrying a map to go with his compass he may have been able to navigate his way back to his camp but we’re all just happy he’s been found safe and well.”
Mr Costello told rescuers he’d been eating raw eel and did not recommend it as a culinary delight.
Tourist Saved by Texting Greece
Feb 8, 2010 (NZ Police)
At about 9.00pm on Saturday 6 February Police were advised of a Greek tourist missing on Mt Ruapehu. The tourist, a 30 year old male, Marios Symeonidis had become separated from his companion at about 6.30pm and had not been seen since. The tourist and his companion had only intended a short walk on Mt Ruapehu and was he not fully or well equiped for an overnight stay on the mountain.
Police immediately commenced a search and rescue operation.
Overnight the missing tourist e-texted members of his family in Greece. The e-texts stated that he was lost but not injured and at one point indicated that he could see a police 4 x 4 vehicle on the mountain. The e-text’s indicated that he was unable to get to the police vehicle as there was a stream between him and the vehicle. The family who received the e-text’s in Greece were communicating information as it was e-text’d with Police in New Zealand through the Greece emergency services.
Four search teams were deployed onto Mt Ruapehu by foot. These search teams were from Ruapehu Search and Rescue (SAR) and the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO). A helicopter from Taupo was also deployed as part of the search and rescue effort.
The missing tourist was located on the Bruce Road on Mt Ruapehu at about 10.00am this morning. Apart from being cold and tired from his experience he was otherwise fit and well. He was uplifted and taken to the SAR HQ in the Iwikau Village.
The Greek ambassador in Wellington communicated to the Police Central Communications Centre that he was extremely pleased with the efforts of the Police and all personnel involved with the search. He thanked them for their professionalism, efficiency and efforts in locating Marios.
Found Alive and Well
Feb 6, 2010 (NZ Police)
Missing 48 year-old Campbell’s Bay resident, Grant Atkinson, was found alive and well in Huapai Domain at 8.45 this morning by a Police and Search and Rescue team.
Mr Atkinson was disheveled and slightly disoriented when found but otherwise physically well.
Inspector Les Paterson says Mr Atkinson will remain with Police this morning before being medically assessed. His family has been advised.
“We believe he’s been sleeping rough in the area – though not in the domain itself – for the past four nights since his car was parked at the Huapai Domain on Tuesday evening,” Mr Paterson said.
“At this point there’s no reason to believe anyone else had anything to do with Mr Atkinson’s disappearance. We’d very much like to thank members of the public for their assistance in the search for him and we’re delighted that he has not come to any obvious harm.”
Trampers Airlifted from Slip in Ruahine Range
Feb 6, 2010 (NZ Police)
At about 10.00am the Police Central Communications Centre received notification of two trampers in difficulties in the Ruahine Ranges.
The trampers (a male and a female) had requested Police assistance through a text message to a third party. The third party had rung Police. The text message from the trampers indicated that they were “stuck on a slip face, were ok but not safe”
A Police SAR operation was instigated by the Central Communication Center and co-ordinated from Napier. Police at the Central Communications Centre were able to e-text the trampers in order to identify their exact location and nature of their emergency. It transpired that whilst they were traversing a slip face, the ground became unstable and they were not able to move either forward or backwards in safety. A helecopter was deployed and the trampers were winched from the unstable slip face at about midday.
The trampers were extremely well equipped and made their extraction from their predicament very easy. ie. they had appropriate equipment for the conditions and were able to supply exact GPS coordinates
In one of the final text messages to the Central Communications Centre, the trampers wrote ” Thank you so much for your help. We are sorry to have ruined your saturday”
Tramper Found in Bay of Plenty
Feb 5, 2010 (NZ Police)
A search and rescue operation in the Urewera National Park came to a successful conclusion today when searchers found an overdue tramper in the area.
The 68 year old man had been walking from Maungapohatu to Wairata, and was due to meet up with his family at Wairata on Tuesday. They notified Police yesterday and a search and rescue operation commenced (Thursday 4 February). He was located in a stream at approximately lunchtime today and is fit and well, despite spending a few extra days in the bush.
The head of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Police’s search and rescue team, Sergeant Andrew O’Reilly, says the man become disoriented in fog and low cloud over the weekend, however, he was well prepared, very experienced and “did everything right”.
Sergeant O’Reilly says more than 20 Police search and rescue staff and volunteers and staff were involved in the search, which took place in one of the highest areas in the Urewera National Park. Two helicopters were also involved in the search.
“This had the potential to be a large-scale and complex search and rescue operation,” says Sergeant O’Reilly.
“The area we were working in is very large, rough, and high. However, fortunately our missing tramper was extremely experienced and he knew what to do. That made our job significantly easier.”
Sergeant O’Reilly says everyone involved is pleased with the successful result – and the search and rescue team is now headed for some much needed sleep.
Search for Missing Tramper on Aoraki/Mt Cook
Feb 5, 2010 (NZ Police)
A search is being carried out for a missing tramper overdue in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The missing female tramper was last seen at 7.30am at Mueller Hut on Wednesday 3rd February. She was intending to descend to the village, and hasn’t been seen since.
Aerial searches using DOC Aoraki Search and Rescue staff commenced yesterday afternoon and carried on into the evening, with no success.
This morning a number of teams are being deployed, to search areas adjacent to the route leading from the hut to the Aoraki/Mount Cook village. An early morning team started at 5.30am, with a heat seeking device.
Weather conditions have been fine and hot, and are expected to continue. The overseas visitor was well equipped, had signed in the DOC intentions system and carried a cell phone. She has not signed out, or contact DOC staff.
Mueller Hut is an alpine tramping hut sited at 1800 metres on the Sealy Range, behind the Aoraki/Mount Cook village. It is a popular 28 bunk hut used by both day trippers and overnight trampers. The route is moderate to difficult in places, and around seven rescues have been carried out this season already, mainly people slipping whilst descending to the village. It is estimated around 10,000 people a year access the hut.
UPDATE: The tramper has contacted Police once she learnt of the search. She had forgotten to sign out.
Party of Three Airlifted from Ruahine Ranges
Feb 2, 2010 (NZ Police)
Three trampers have been airlifted out of the Ruahines after being cut off by rising creek water.
A man and woman from Rongotea aged 50 and 35 went into the Ruahines on Saturday with the intention of staying overnight in Irongate Hut and returning home on Sunday. A 50-year-old man from Palmerston North, not known to the couple, was undertaking the same trip.
On Sunday all three tried to come out of the Ruahines but were unable to do so because the rising water of Tunupo Creek had cut off their access. They returned to the hut and stayed their Sunday night. On Monday they tried to find another route over the top but were forced back due to poor weather conditions.
Whilst at the top one of the party managed to get a cell phone signal and left a message for a friend indicating they would return to Irongate Hut.
Police, who were contacted by the friend, reviewed the weather forecast and were confident that the party would be able to leave the Ruahines of their own accord this morning (Tuesday, 2 February). When there was still no sign of the trio by midday a search and rescue operation was initiated to assist them out.
Around 4pm two police officers in the Square Trust helicopter began searching the likely routes to locate the party. Two further police officers were deployed on foot.
The three were spotted from the air on the track near the Tunupo Creek trying to find a way across. After seeing the helicopter the trampers returned to Irongate Hut where they were uplifted by the helicopter and returned to the car park shortly before 6pm. Although they had run out of food they were otherwise no worse for wear.
Police want to use the opportunity to provide potential trampers with two key reminders.
The first relates to communications. All of the trampers had cell phones but none had a radio or emergency locator beacon and it was only by luck that they managed to get a message to a friend on Monday.
The second reminder relates to the weather. Anyone considering going into the hills needs to closely monitor the forecasts and go equipped for the conditions. If weather conditions are expected to be poor the trip should be postponed. It is also important to monitor the weather forecast further afield and not just the immediate location of the tramp as weather conditions in other areas can still affect local water levels.
Search for Injured Kayaker – Hokitika
Feb 2, 2010 (NZ Police)
At around 8.30 pm yesterday police were advised of an injured kayaker in the Whakarira Gorge near Hokitika.
The male, who is reported to have a dislocatred shoulder, remained on the riverbank with a friend whilst a third member paddled for an estimated 2 hours to raise the alarm.
The Solid Energy Helicopter was alerted but was unable to locate the pair in the gorge before the fading light caused the search to be called off for the night.
The search will be resuming at first light tomorrow morning
12 Year Old Rescued from Ruahines
Jan 31, 2010 (NZ Police)
At about 5.30pm yesterday, the Police Central Communications Centre received a phone call from a 12 year old boy in the Ruahine Ranges. The boy advised that he had become separated from his tramping group, had slipped down a bank and was clinging to a tree.
Police commenced a search and rescue operation. Two search parties were despatched. The boy was located safe and well at about 8.50pm.
It was ascertained that he had been with a family group on a tramp to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine Ranges. He left the track for a toilet stop and in doing so slipped about 100 metres down a steep bank. He then became disorientated and the slippery conditions made it difficult for him to re-locate the track. The weather at the time was light drizzle.
It was extremely lucky that the boy had his mother’s cell phone on him at the time of his fall and was able to ring police. Without the phone he certainly would not have been located so quickly.
Search for Overdue Farmer
Jan 29, 2010
At about 2.40pm on 29/10/2010, an 87 year old male was reported missing to Police. At 9.30am he had gone to collect firewood on his farm near Kaitaia and had failed to return. His quad bike was found abandoned giving further concern for his safety. Whangarei Police Search and Rescue team utilising local members of the public located the missing person in bush on his property. He was tired and dehydrated but otherwise unharmed.
Search Underway for Overdue Man
Jan 28, 2010 (NZ Police)
A Search & Rescue operation was launched at approximately 1.00pm on the 27th of January 2010 in the Greenstone River near Kumara after a vehicle belonging to a local man was located on a side road.
The man was reported missing to police on the 26th January 2010 and enquiries revealed he was last seen on the 21st January at a mine site, also in the Greenstone River area.
Police believe he has driven his vehicle several hundred meters up the road from the main mine site, parked on the side road and walked back down into the Greenstone River to investigate other areas of the claim.
This is something he does regularly and he knows the area well.
The missing man is 70 year old Hugh McAllister of Kumara who lives alone, hence the delay in his being reported missing.
Three Specialist Search & Rescue dog teams from the Tasman Police district assisted by two Land Search & Rescue Teams from Hokitika in an initial search of the area on the 27th without success.
Coast Wide helicopters were also called in to assist with an aerial search, also without success.
This morning two Search & Rescue dog teams are currently in the search area being supported by six Land Search & Rescue teams. The teams are made up of Land SAR members from Murchison, Reefton, Westport, Hokitika & Greymouth.
Parts of the search area are frequented by recreational users including mountain bikers who travel the ‘no name’ road north of the Taramakau River through to the Greenstone River. Greymouth Police would like to hear from anyone that may have seen Mr. McAllister or his white well side two wheel drive ute between the 21st & 27th January 2010.
Given the time delay from when Mr. McAlister was last seen, police hold fears for his safety. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Raft found in Manawatu Gorge
Jan 23, 2010 (NZ Police)
Palmerston North Police are seeking information regarding the owner/s of a raft which has been found floating downstream in the Manawatu Gorge.
The empty raft, complete with oars was first sighted in the Manawatu River at approximately 10.20am Saturday morning approximately 2 kms South of Gorge Road.
The raft is described as mainly white, with dark coloured stripes around it.
The Police search and rescue squad are currently retrieving the raft, and a helicopter has made several sweeps of the area trying to locate whoever may have been using the raft.
Police are asking anyone who knows anything about the raft and/or its owner to contact the Palmerston North Police immediately on 06 351 3600
Search and rescue looking for missing man
Jan 19, 2010 (NZ Police)
A Search & Rescue operation was launched at approximately 7.30am on the 18th January 2010 for a missing hunter near Jackson’s between Arthur’s Pass and Kumara.
The man, aged in his 70’s and a resident of Greymouth went hunting at approximately 6.00pm yesterday and had to cross the Taramakau River to reach his intended hunting area.
He had intended to return the same day, but failed to so.
The search involved two Land Search & Rescue dogs and one police dog, and the Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter.
He was located by the helicopter crew at approximately 10.00am who then directed ground teams to the scene where they subsequently ascertained he was deceased.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and the matter has been referred to the Coroner.
His name has not yet been released until all next-of-kin have been advised.
Kayakers who ignored warnings refuse to pay rescue bill
Jan 16, 2010 (NZ Herald)
Debate over whether people should pay for their rescue has been rekindled, as a pair of kayakers refuse to cough up for costly efforts to help them.
The cost of most land or water search and rescue in New Zealand tends to fall on taxpayers, with ACC often paying out.
In some cases, organisations send bills to people such as the two kayakers, who are now arguing that their rescue from the swollen Shotover River near Queenstown was not necessary.
There are concerns that routine charging will discourage people from calling for help, or enjoying the outdoors altogether.
LandSAR (Search and Rescue) chief executive Hadyn Smith says that, “as it stands, it’s a really difficult process indeed for anyone who has been involved in a search to then retrospectively try to charge the people who have been the cause of the search – unless it’s been reckless, or unless it’s been a deliberate attempt to waste the police’s time”.
“But taking it to that next level down, where someone has overstepped their abilities and got themselves in trouble on a track, in a river, on a mountain or whatever, I think most people have a real difficulty drawing the line.”
Queenstown harbourmaster Marty Black said the two kayakers were rescued after ignoring warnings not to go out on the flooded river.
A helicopter, which can cost more than $1500 an hour, was put up to search for the men when they were overdue, and one of the pair had lost his kayak and broken a finger.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council, which underwrote the rescue, sent them a bill for $4000, but they refused “point blank” to pay.
Mr Black said another bill was to be mailed to the pair. Failing that, the council was prepared to go to court to try to get the money.
“We are not unreasonable, but in this situation, we are making a very strong stance to recover the money.”
The country’s Rescue Co-ordination Centre does not bill people for the search and rescue it oversees, and likewise police do not try to recover the costs of operations they are involved in. However, occasionally police will prosecute those whose actions waste their time, and reparations can be ordered by the court.
Mr Smith said the bottom line was that “even stupid people deserve to be rescued”.
“Certainly the discussion has been quite robust over the years over why should people who have been absolutely silly to the extreme not be charged something.
“Perhaps there should be some middle ground – somewhere where ACC is put to one side in a reckless-type situation and costs can be recovered in certain circumstances.
“[But] I would hate to see that as a consequence, all of a sudden we are not seeing anyone in the outdoors because they are scared stiff they are going to be charged for walking out the door.”
Search for missing walker, Rimutaka Forest Park
Jan 9, 2010. (NZ Police)
Members of Wellington Search and Rescue are currently searching for a 45 year old male who failed to return from a walk in the Rimutaka Forest Park on Friday afternoon.
John Lulich left his Sunny Grove home at around 3.30pm. He is described as reasonably fit, but does not know the area. His partner was unable to advise Police exactly where he was going, but thought he may have been heading towards Mt McKerrow. It is thought he did not have a map.
He has little tramping experience, and it is unknown if he sought any local knowledge prior to entering the Park.
He had no food or wet weather clothing with him, and was not equipped to spend the night in the open; it is thought he has his cellphone with him, but Police have not been able to make contact with him via that.
Mr Lulich is European, about 175cm tall and of medium build. He was wearing a white polo short, navy shorts and tramping boots. He was carrying a water bottle.
Update
9 January 2010
0548hrs
A Team consisting of 2 LandSAR volunteers and 3 Police SAR members including a Police dog handler located the male just after 5am this morning next to the Orongorongo River, several kilometers from his home. He was cold and hungry, but otherwise in good health. He had not allowed sufficient time to return home in daylight, so eventually had to stay put.
Outdoors safety code aims to cut tragedies
Jan 8, 2010 (NZ Herald)
Incidents of tourists hiking in rugged terrain in Jandals and running out of food while out camping have led to the development of a NZ outdoors code.
The Outdoor Safety Code has been introduced by search and rescue, outdoor and tourism sectors after it was found that 245 search and rescue callouts last year involved tourists.
Many of those emergency callouts could have been prevented, had people been better prepared to be in the outdoors, said the police manager for emergency management, Gerard Prins.
“We hear stories of visitors attempting the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Jandals, while others don’t carry supplies because they assume there’s a shop on the Heaphy [Track].
“Rather than be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, we want to help ensure all visitors don’t get into trouble in the first place.”
The new code, developed by groups including the Department of Conservation, the Accident Compensation Corporation and the Tourism Industry Association, is designed not only for tourists but also New Zealanders who visit a site that they are unfamiliar with.
Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar said many tourists were armed with a cellphone, thinking that that was enough in the case of an emergency.
“But we need to tell them our weather changes quickly and in most parts of our remote backcountry, there’s no mobile phone coverage – [it's] not a reliable method of backcountry communications,” Mr Cossar said.
In the past few years, there have been several high-profile cases where tourists have been killed while exploring the New Zealand outdoors.
Among those were Israeli tourist Liat Okin, 35, whose body was found 1km from a main track in Fiordland in May 2008.
American tourist Raydene Shepard, 70, died while tramping the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in April 2006.
Her partner, Dennis McDougall, was barely alive when he was found by a rescue team.
Police said the couple’s poor preparation – including wearing inadequate clothing and not checking weather conditions – contributed to the tragedy.
Mr Prins said police and search and rescue teams were being called out to up to eight incidents a day during the summer and were expecting a busy time in the next few months.
“Tell someone where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone for,” he said.
“Check the weather and be prepared for unexpected changes … It’s common sense, but it saves lives.”
STAYING ALIVE * Plan your trip carefully. * Tell someone when you go and when you expect to return. * Know your limits. * Take sufficient supplies – a cellphone is no good in the back-country.
Search and rescue operation highlights need for right equipment
Jan 8, 2010 (NZ Police)
A Search & Rescue operation was launched at approximately 5.50pm yesterday after a tramper failed to return from a day walk on the 6th January 2010 in the Buller Gorge area.
Mr. Kevin Boyes, aged 48yrs, from Greymouth had walked into the Paparoa National Park via the Hawks Crag Stream intending to return that day.
Police were first alerted that he was overdue at 9.00am on the 7th January by his partner. Shortly after she contacted police she received a text message from Mr. Boyes who was lucky enough to have found cellular phone reception from the remote location he was in.
At this point he stated he was okay and that he would walk out to the Buller Gorge via the Blackwater River, however at 3.00pm he still had not made it out.
Phone contact was again made with him and he indicated he was tired, wet, and trapped by bluffs and the now flooded Blackwater River.
The man was located by the Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter at approximately 6.45pm and winched to safety.
Police would like to again reinforce the importance of taking adequate equipment should something go wrong, pay close attention to weather forecasts, and to leave good written intentions of your route and trip details with a responsible person.
“In this case it was very lucky that our subject got stuck in the only area of cellular phone coverage for miles. Even with talking to him on the phone from the helicopter it took several passes to locate him amongst the tall trees. Without this, the chances of locating him were very slim”.
On a positive note Mr. Boyes did follow some good basic outdoor rules by informing his partner of where he was going, and remaining in the same place once he realised his situation
Special Dog Trained to Help
Jan 5, 2010 (Manukau Courier)
Vader the huntaway-staffordshire cross is a rare breed – he’s one of only three search and rescue dogs in Auckland. Reporter Hannah Norton finds out how valuable he is in a crisis.
When a house collapsed on a group of workers at Manurewa Marae in June this year Auckland’s only two search and rescue dogs sprang into service.
One person had already died and another four were missing.
Initially the dogs checked the perimeter of the collapsed house then underneath it where people were believed to be trapped.
The dogs are trained to bark when they find people alive so when one of the dogs started whining it was a sign it had found another person dead.
Senior firefighter and Urban Search and Rescue search dog association president Brendon Irwin says the dogs are invaluable in locating trapped people.
“Humans shed up to 40,000 skin cells every minute and it is these tiny particles floating in the air that the dogs are trained to locate,” he says.
But even with the recent addition of a third dog, more handlers and dogs are needed for the Auckland region.
The new addition is Vader and he’s owned by Manukau ambulance officer and Karaka resident Nikki Smith.
Vader passed his assessment in October and Mrs Smith is urging more people to train their pets to be search and rescue dogs.
“There’s only three dogs in Auckland and nine in the whole country. Imagine if we had a national disaster – we couldn’t be everywhere at once.”
She signed up Vader for search and rescue missions because he always “looked like he needed to be doing something”.
“He is ball of energy and he’s one of these dogs that if you throw a toy and he can’t find it he’ll keep looking for it.”
So Mrs Smith took the three-year-old out with a friend involved in Land Search and Rescue – which is responsible for searching for people lost in natural environments like bush or snow – and he loved every second of it.
For practicality she opted to train Vader with Urban Search and Rescue as a “disaster search dog” for situations such as collapsed buildings after earthquakes, tornados, landslides and other natural and man-made disasters.
Search training starts with baby steps and leads to practice searches in vacant lots and rubble piles.
“When you start search work the person the dog is going to look for doesn’t hide.
“They’ll be standing right next to me and have his toy and then go and hide behind a tree. The toy is the focus so the dog’s not using its nose to start with.”
Eventually the person hides out of sight and the dog is forced to use its nose.
“If they detect human scent they know their toy is going to be there or that they are going to get a reward.
“Obviously if it’s a real situation the person they are looking for doesn’t have the reward so that’s when he gets the reward from me.”
The next step is to teach the dog to bark when it detects a human scent, she says.
“We had to encourage him to bark … he used to mumble.”
The dogs are trained for around eight hours a week with basic exercises practised at home and search training on Sundays.
“In that session we do things like heel work and emergency stops. Basically when we are out there we need to be able to make them stop where they are and that’s a safety thing – particularly if we’re on a site that’s not very stable.”
Mrs Smith’s job as a full time ambulance officer complements Vader’s role.
“Vader can find people and I can help them. I also used to be a vet nurse many years ago and so if any dogs on site get injured then I can help them too.”
The search dog association works in partnership with the Fire Service and runs a training programme that takes around 18 months.
Has your dog got what it takes to become and reach and rescue dog? Dogs must be:
Healthy, energetic and able to cope with the stress of being around many other dogs, handlers, rescue workers and the noise and confusion of a rescue site
Between 18 months and three years old
Non-aggressive and not classified as a menacing breed in the Dog Control Act.
For information email searchdogs@usar.org.nz
Injured family rescued from Ruahine ranges
Dec 29, 2009. (NZ Police)
A father and his two sons have been rescued from the Ruahine ranges after an accident which left two of the three injured.
A 35-year-old man from Palmerston North and his two sons aged 10 and 12 who live in Feilding, were hunting yesterday afternoon and intending to stay the night in Forks Hut. During the afternoon the 12-year-old boy took a fall down a bluff suffering a head injury. As the boy’s father and brother attempted to rescue the 12-year-old, the father suffered a gash to his leg and the group lost their bag containing supplies and their GPS.
Conditions overnight were cold, wet and windy so the family made a shelter to rest, and this morning they walked uphill until they were able to get a cell phone signal to contact a relative, who in turn contacted the police. This was around 10.20 this morning.
The wind had dropped this morning but visibility was poor to around 500m. The Helipro helicopter from Palmerston North was dispatched to search the area ahead of the rescue helicopter flying from Hawkes Bay with a medic on board. Four search and rescue teams were also put on standby.
Just after midday the Helipro located the family in a bush area around 700 metres from Forks Hut. The 12-year-old boy was conscious and alert but had suffered nausea and dizziness since the fall. He had lacerations to his head and arm and a possible broken arm. The father had a laceration to his leg but was able to walk unaided. All three were suffering from the effects of the cold.
A medic attended to them at the location before they were winched out and airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital.
Police want to take the opportunity to again push the importance of carrying 406 Mhz personal locator beacons as a means of early alert to rescue agencies when responding to such incidents. This would have alerted the Rescue Coordination Centre and Police to the family’s plight last night.
The father and sons will not be named unless they choose to allow their identities to be released.
Concerns for Coromandel man
26 December, 2009 (NZ Police)
Hamilton Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of 78 year old Bruce Wells who went missing from Waikato Hospital earlier today. Mr Wells had been staying at the hospital while receiving treatment for bone cancer, however he suffers from dementia and is confused about his circumstances. Mr Wells is from Coromandel and does not have any family in Hamilton. He has been unaccounted for since approximately mid-day.
Police, Search & Rescue personnel together with hospital staff have been searching the hospital grounds, the nearby Waikato River, Hamilton Lake and surrounding suburbs but have been unable to locate Mr Wells. Police are concerned as nightfall approaches.
Mr Wells is described as less than 5’6” (158cm) tall, of slim build but is in good physical condition. He has grey hair and a short cropped goatee and moustache. Mr Wells was wearing a red checkered shirt, a green shirt underneath and long trousers. He has a small crepe bandage on his left arm and is wearing a hospital wrist band. A photograph of Mr Wells taken approximately a year ago is enclosed which is a good likeness of him although his face is now slightly thinner.
Police are seeking help from the public. If Mr Wells has spoken to members of the public he may have made comments suggesting he believes he is in Wellington.
SAR looking for man who failed to finish tramp
Dec 19, 2009. (NZ Police
On Thursday evening Police were contacted after a 19 year old Wellington man failed to meet his father as arranged after a 4 day tramp in the Otaki Forks area.
He was last seen Tuesday morning at Waiotauru Hut by a hunter.
On Friday two ground search teams from Levin and Wellington went into the Waiotauru Area.
A Police SAR officer also checked huts in the vicinity with a Helipro helicopter, but thick cloud limited operations.
Today 7 more teams of LANDSAR volunteers and Police from Horowhenua, Manawatu, Tararua, and Wellington are going into the area to expand the search. In total 56 personnel will be in the field by lunchtime.
3 Squadron from RNZAF Ohakea are providin
