ISSN YEARBOOK Including the LANDSAR Annual Report and Audited Accounts

Transcription

1 ISSN YEARBOOK Including the LANDSAR Annual Report and Audited Accounts

2 BOARD Phil Melchior Chair Appointed Director (SI) John Scobie Deputy Chair Elected Director (SI) Dave Erson Elected Director (NI) Rex Hendry Elected Director (NI) Nov 2011 Ron Smith Elected Director (SI) Nov 2011 LIFE MEMBERS Bill Day Appointed Director (SI) Greg Bishop Appointed Director (NI) Dave Comber Elected Director (NI) Retired Nov 2011 Ray Bellringer Elected Director (SI) Retired Nov 2011 LANDSAR STAFF Roger Barrowclough Hadyn Smith ceo (resigned April 2012) Harry Maher ceo (appointed April 2012) Pete Corbett National Operations Manager Joanna Leighton Jones National Administration Manager Roscoe Tait Fritz van Rooden Acting National Training Coordinator (June 2012) Ian Newman (nifso) Pete Zimmer (nifso2) Iain Watson (sifso2) Tom Clarkson Ross Browne National Training Coordinator (resigned May 2012) Jacqui Austin Administration Roger Bates Cover photo by Ross Anderson

3 YEARBOOK Our Mission To provide search and rescue support for the lost, missing and injured CONTENTS LandSAR Awards, Obituaries and Achievements of Note by Members in The New Zealand Police Commissioner s Foreword...3 The New Zealand Search and Rescue Council (NZSAR)...4 The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCC NZ)... 5 The LandSAR NZ Chairman s Report...6 The Year in Review...6 The New Zealand Police Report to LandSAR Financial Year...8 Chief Executive s Report Group Activity...10 Operational Report...10 Organisational Update Operational Activities LandSAR Staff...12 Search Management Support Group (SMSG) LandSAR QBBR Workshop...12 Technical & Specialist Meetings...13 Field Support Officers...13 NZ Police SAR Review (Phase II)...13 Funding Update LandSAR Outcomes Audit...20 Reporting Profile on Dave Withers...26 LandSAR 2011 Award Winning photos...28 CaveSAR in NZ...30 Teenagers on Track Outward Bound...34 LandSAR NZ Search Dogs Inc...36 Current Operational Dogs Profile on Mark Allen...38 Recognition of LandSAR Volunteers Contribution to Operation West...40 The LandSAR NZ Audit and Risk Committee Report Profile on Rex Hendry Constitutional Members of New Zealand Land Search and Rescue...54 Recipients of the New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Award...56 Profile on Terry Blumhardt...58 The Way Forward...60 New Zealand Land Search & Rescue Inc. PO Box , Wellington Level 2, 276 Lambton Quay, Wellington Ph: Fax: admin@landsar.org.nz Web:

4 LandSAR awards, obituaries and achievements of note by MEMBERs in Advised obituaries Sept 2011 August 2012 None advised. Advised awards for LandSAR volunteers Sept 2011 August 2012 Wayne Keen, South Canterbury, NZSAR Certificate of Achievement, for his persistent efforts in concluding two unresolved search operations. The Police Certificate of Appreciation presented to: Max McLean (1974) Waihi Charlie Smart (1984) Waitomo Doug Taucher (1984) Waitomo LandSAR awards since July 2011 Plaque Kim Charles: for her contribution to Search and Rescue in Murchison and to LandSAR Search Dogs. Hugh Flower: for his contribution to Search and Rescue Tasman David Withers: for his contribution to Search and Rescue in Wairoa Supreme Award Lionel Clay and Davie Robinson, LandSAR Wanaka: for their calm and calculated carrying out of an extreme and difficult operation. Retirement Gordon Cooper, Tauranga: first search was in Invercargill in Russell Carr, Wakatipu: after 40 years service. LandSAR representatives on other organisations NZSAR Council John Scobie, Harry Maher NZSAR Core Education Committee Laurie Gallagher Tau Poutini Polytechnic Programme Advisory Committee Peter Corbett, Fritz van Rooden New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (Inc.) Dave Comber New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (Inc.) Alpine Committee Peter Zimmer The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand Harry Maher AREC Trust Pete Corbett Air Ambulance Standards Review Dave Comber Dept of Conservation Outdoor (Visitor) Intentions Group Harry Maher Life Members of New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Inc. Life Membership is awarded for outstanding service to New Zealand Land Search and Rescue. Roger Barrowclough (2006) Roscoe Tait (2007) Tom Clarkson (2009) Roger Bates (2010) S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 2 NEW ZEALAND

5 THE NEW ZEALAND POLICE COMMISSIONER S FOREWORD Peter Marshall It s a great PLEASure to have THIS OPPORTunity to thank New Zealand Land Search and Rescue for its commitment over the past 12 months, and to commend its members and volunteers for another year s outstanding work. Without your skills, specialist knowledge, dedication and tireless input, life in New Zealand would be far less safe and Police would face a huge challenge in meeting our obligation to maintain public safety. I acknowledge and welcome LandSAR s continuing work to develop a more professional, nationally consistent model which can only enhance the lifesaving service you provide. Police has been conducting a review of search and rescue activities and we are carrying out further consultation with our partners to ensure all views are taken into account. We welcome the debate as together we plan the future SAR landscape. This review underlines the importance we place on SAR and the contribution of our partner organisations. Whatever the detail of the review s findings, the process will confirm our commitment to this vital work. Thank you for the contributions of the past year and the energy you will put into your SAR activities over the coming 12 months. On behalf of New Zealand Police, we look forward to working with you for many years to come. PETER MARSHALL Commissioner of NEW ZEALAND Police ANNUALREPORT PAGE 3

6 The New Zealand Search and Rescue Council (NZSAR) Duncan Ferner It has BEEN GREAT to see LandSAR CONTINue to prosper and thrive in communities throughout New Zealand over the past year because, in a very real way, when you are successful so are we. As we watch and read about the dramatic rescues performed by your membership, we are well aware that this is achieved on the back of a huge time commitment to training and administration. I certainly continue to value meeting and working with many of you, the professional volunteers who make up LandSAR. This is also a great opportunity for me to acknowledge your organisation s obvious commitment to the One SAR approach to search and rescue. To ensure we can quickly, effectively and economically respond to the needs of people in distress, New Zealand Search Rescue (NZSAR) knows that the sector must work together and be coherent, cohesive and aligned. NZSAR and LandSAR have strong and effective relationships across the board. We are especially appreciative that LandSAR, as one of New Zealand s larger search and rescue organisations, is actively engaged as a willing partner and sometimes leader on a wide range of issues affecting the whole sector. LandSAR NZ has a strong history of providing excellent search and rescue services. But this good work does not occur in isolation. Ours is a resource intensive sector with over 13,000 people involved on land (sometimes under it), in the air, as well as on our lakes, rivers and seas. SAR organisations across New Zealand have prepared themselves with the assets and equipment to carry out their task as efficiently and safely as possible. But it is the skill and dedication of our people that makes our search and rescue sector world class. We still have work to do but the NZSAR Council believes we re moving in the right direction and we look forward to continuing to develop our skills, equipment and relationships so we can focus on what it s all about saving lives. S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 4 NEW ZEALAND

7 The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCC NZ) Nigel Clifford Search and Rescue in New ZEALAND is COORDINATED by two agencies the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCC NZ) and the New Zealand Police. Based in its modern operations room in Lower Hutt, RCC NZ is charged with coordinating Category II Search and Rescue responses throughout the 30 million square kilometres that make up the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region. This area extends from the South Pole almost to the equator, encompassing half of the Tasman Sea, almost half of the South Pacific Ocean and many Pacific Island groups. Our ongoing endeavours to help foster the concept of One SAR across the New Zealand SAR community have this year seen RCC NZ continue with its programme of Air Observer training and On-Scene Coordinator workshops; once again many LandSAR volunteers have had the chance to participate in these. RCC NZ has also continued with its programme of liaison visits, enabling Search and Rescue Officers to get out to the regions meeting with local agencies and organisations, including local SAR units where possible, in order to continually improve our understanding of your needs in order that we might both improve outcomes to victims. RCC NZ is also responsible for the ongoing administration and maintenance of the 406 MHz beacon database. This database now holds the records of over 30,000 beacons of which 46% are PLBs. The twelve months to 30 June 2012 saw an increase in PLB registration of 3266 beacons, and while some of these are used in light aviation and maritime applications, the majority of them are used in land based activities. It is interesting that the number of Category II land incidents in this 12 months (94) was slightly down on the previous year (99), although the number of these incidents involving distress beacons showed an increase 86 of the 94 (91%) land based incidents this year compared to 61 of 99 (62%) of the incidents last year. This indicates that distress beacons are being carried by more people using the outdoors, and that they are prepared to use these important devices when they believe they are in distress. Given the increase in the total number of PLBs but the slight reduction in incidents, it also suggests that the rate of usage is reducing perhaps a one-off, but perhaps as a result of improved education and preparation? We continue to try and improve sector groups knowledge of the Cospas-SARSAT beacon system and are always happy to talk about, or provide information on, this topic. This is an area where demand is expected to increase in the foreseeable future and better understanding of the system will only help all those involved, both the searchers and the lost. We always welcome visits from interested groups to our base in Lower Hutt, and can at times respond to specific requests to visit outside our local area to learn from other groups, help where we can, and generally foster ongoing relationships with the wider SAR community. We look forward to another year working safely together in the interests of those who find themselves in peril while endeavouring to enjoy the great New Zealand outdoors. Nigel Clifford Group Manager, RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE NEW ZEALAND ANNUALREPORT PAGE 5

8 The Year in Review THE LANDSAR NZ Chairman s Report Phillip Melchior Everyone in LandSAR groups, NATIONAL OFFICE, Board knows that we re in the search and rescue business to help the lost, missing and injured. We turn out regardless of the time, the terrain or the weather in support of the New Zealand Police and the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC NZ) our two statutory agencies. In the year we saved 50 lives, and rescued or helped nearly 600 more in 421 SAROPS involving more than 28,000 volunteer hours. None of us know why some years are busier than others. My own view is that every week in our back country, people get away with things. We ve all lost our footing somewhere, recovered, thought that was close, and moved on. But sometimes luck is not on our side and the slip becomes a broken leg or a fatal fall, the weather moves in faster than expected, or the river crossing goes wrong. And then it becomes a search and rescue operation, a SAROP. The aim of the Board and the National Office is simple it s to help us perform better when it comes to a SAROP. Sometimes the visibility of this simple goal gets lost in the low cloud of day-to-day detail, deadlines and squeaky wheel problems. But the Board s view is that when you boil it all down, we want two basic things: 1. We want to help achieve consistent high performance in every group around the country performance which is appropriate to the group and their role, recognising that not all groups are equal. 2. We want to represent land-based search and rescue to the national decision-makers: from our partners the SAR Secretariat, Police and RCC NZ; to our funders like the Lottery Grants Board, the Lion Foundation and others; to those whose decisions can have a fundamental impact on how we operate from the Tertiary Education Commission to Civil Aviation to the Accident Compensation Commission. The first goal covers everything we re trying to do defining competencies, looking at training as a top to bottom thing, not just focussing on the formal NZQA training, raising money to help get essential items of kit like radios, torches, and the uniform items people said they wanted after the Christchurch earthquake. The second takes up far more time and energy than you would imagine. This covers things like the collection of accurate statistics on what we re doing, from training to committee meetings to SAROPS; meetings and submis- S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 6 NEW ZEALAND

9 sions on the use of human sling-loads (strops) in search and rescue; Government funding for training; Police commitment to SAR; convincing potential funders that we re worthy of their support. The list goes on and on. Having the goals are one thing. The test is how effective we are in meeting our ambitions. A year ago, I said the results were disappointing. We had scored under 60 per cent against our targets, compared to nearly 80 per cent in Since then, much has changed. We have a new chief executive in Harry Maher, and Fritz van Rooden is babysitting the National Training Coordinator role. The Board is happy with the levels of energy and focus being applied to our key aims but no-one should think we are yet happy with the results. Money is a big issue The meeting of legal requirements in changing staff was a significant one-off cost which has put a temporary dent in our reserves. We are working very hard on trying to get more funding for training, especially for refresher training which we regard as absolutely vital to retain currency in those groups that are not consistently operationally busy. By and large, this is within our control. There are other big issues we are working hard to influence, but are not within our control. As I hope everyone knows, these are (1) the whole area of formal NZQA-type training, and (2) the Police review of its involvement in SAR generally. The Government review of how it funds formal SAR training through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) was something the Board welcomed, but we are now in limbo waiting for a decision on the way forward. In the meantime SARINZ proposed amalgamating with LandSAR, we agreed the big picture with them, but since then they have backed away. Both Tai Poutini Polytech and SARINZ seem intent on battling each other for the commercial high ground. Understandable from their points of view perhaps, but it has left us as the meat in the sandwich. We are attempting to find common ground between the parties, but frankly I doubt that anything will change until the Government decision is known and people can see the future with some clarity. The Police review is the issue which has the greatest capacity to radically influence LandSAR. As you all know, phase one of the review looked at whether NZ Police should remain involved at all with search and rescue and thankfully concluded that it should. Phase two is designed to define the level of that involvement. PNHQ at the top level have made it clear they see Police involvement as centering heavily on incident control and management. That is not necessarily the way it is seen by the Police SAR squad members around the country, which is why it s a review and not just a dictat! The LandSAR Board s position is fairly simple. We would rather see fewer, dedicated people (including full-time SAR coordinators) than a proliferation of part-time SAR squads which are not necessarily situated where they re most needed. Most of all, we want the Police to decide what they want their level of involvement to be, and make it happen. We would like to see more proactive leadership from PNHQ, and much, much more consistency around the country in their involvement with SAR. It s a Police review, not a LandSAR review. But the outcomes could be extremely important for LandSAR across the country. Lastly, I need as always to thank everyone for another big year. The statistics speak for themselves. One of our Tasman volunteers said to me recently that LandSAR needed people with high levels of determination and energy. We are fortunate to have them at every level of the organisation, from the groups to the National Office to the Board. We are also fortunate in the relationships we have with our partners from the SAR Secretariat, Police and RCC NZ to Lotteries and others. Our collective energy and dedication doesn t always mean we agree on everything. But we all have the lost, missing and injured as our goal. Thank you. Phillip Melchior Chairman, LANDSAR NZ ANNUALREPORT PAGE 7

10 THE NEW ZEALAND POLICE REPORT TO LANDSAR financial year Bruce Johnston This year THERE HAVE been CHANGES in your National Office with the departure of your outgoing CEO Hadyn Smith and the appointment of Harry Maher your new CEO. I enjoyed working in partnership with Hadyn and I am sure this will continue with Harry Maher. The Tertiary Education Commission review decision has created uncertainty for the whole SAR sector s future training structure. A decision is eagerly awaited so plans for the future can be put in place. Whatever the funding method decided, it will not affect the passion of Land Search and Rescue people to do their best for the missing person. This clearly underpins why you all do the many hours of training to attain and maintain the necessary skills that make the difference when it comes to the real event and a positive outcome whenever humanly possible for the missing person. The new Probationary Field Team Member and Operational Field Team Member competencies are a positive and necessary initiative to ensure not only a better national consistency but also that you are all kept safe during searches in often challenging terrain and conditions. The provisional statistics for the financial year have seen 1175 people assisted in 894 LandSAR operations; 884 were Category I and 10 Category II. The total number of incidents is very close to previous years, only down 1%. The cost of these Land Search and Rescue Operations was $1,877,996 and 18,090 LSAR hours were spent in carrying out these operations. I thank every one of you for your contribution to a great collective team effort. We had many successful searches during this last year; seventy-three people s lives were saved. This is a very positive notable achievement for all LSAR members. I recognise the significant role your families play in the hours you all contribute over and above your normal work, especially in the current economic situation. This is not only for operations, but also the training involved to maintain your readiness. Without your continuing valued support these Search and Rescues would not be possible. Your time and dedication is deeply valued by those you help to rescue, the New Zealand Police and public alike. The Managing Land Search Operations courses held consecutively at the Police College are next scheduled to run in June 2013 in their revised format. The review of the Marine Search Operations course that runs parallel with the MLSO course means there may be common elements for both courses. Six advanced Air Observer Helicopter courses are scheduled to run in various Police Districts between now and March The emphasis is to maintain the skills and the regular use of them of a key group of twelve Search and Rescue Air Observers in each Police district who are available to be called on at short notice. Lastly, I wish you and your families all the very best for the coming financial year, and I look forward to continuing to work as a team with you all. Bruce Johnston (Mort) National coordinator Search and Rescue/ Disaster Victim Identification S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 8 NEW ZEALAND

11 landsar nz Chief Executive s Report Harry Maher has been a year of some CHANGE for LandSAR. After a period of rapid growth and increase in staff and funding, this year saw the departure from LandSAR of the Chief Executive Hadyn Smith, the National Training Coordinator Ross Browne and, more recently, Iain (Cooch) Watson, one of the original Field Support Officers. As the new CEO I ve spent much of my initial four months or so travelling around the Groups and talking to people about LandSAR and about what Groups need to be able to search for and save the lost and missing. Whilst I can t claim to have grasped all of the subtleties of this organisation, I have started to form a few initial impressions as to what is important for us: LandSAR people are incredibly dedicated and committed to being the best that they can be LandSAR as an organisation needs to focus on the needs of the Groups and the members of those Groups We need to ensure that the needs of the Groups drive the investment that we and others make in such things as training, equipment etc. There are three things that are critical outcomes for us and our partners: Capability, Capacity and Consistency. As an organisation of Groups and individuals we need to keep striving to achieve the highest levels of these that we can. Whilst it has been a somewhat turbulent year, there have been some good results that we can be proud of: The release of the Field Team Member and Probationary Field Team Member competencies A successful application to the Outdoor Safety Committee for funding for We have secured $1.5m from this source to invest in Group support and training and equipment for Groups. My focus in will be on: Securing a sustainable funding portfolio for LandSAR that enables us to support Groups better and plan our investment in Groups on a longer term basis. A focussing of our effort and investment on the needs of Groups, especially around training needs. Ensuring that LandSAR establishes the right level of control and influence over the investment others make in training our volunteers. Despite the many challenges that we face, LandSAR continues to improve as a SAR resource for the New Zealand public and international visitors. We are becoming more capable, better equipped and better trained. I am confident that we will continue to improve and provide the NZ Police and public with the level of commitment and professionalism that they now associate with LandSAR. Finally, I must thank our funders for their ongoing support for LandSAR volunteers: NZ Police, NZSAR, The Outdoor Safety Committee of The Lottery Grants Board, Lion Foundation, NZ Community Trust, Pub Charity, Southern Trust, Cuesports, Mid-South Canterbury Community Trust, the Trusts Community Foundation, East and Central Community Trust, the Minister s Discretionary Fund of The Lottery Grants Board, and the Pharazyn and Muter Trusts, all of whom made contributions to our funding. Without this support we simply couldn t operate. Harry Maher CEO, LandSAR NZ ANNUALREPORT PAGE 9

12 Operational report Group Activity LandSAR Groups have a simple and clear purpose: to provide search and rescue support for the lost, missing and injured. Every year our volunteers devote tens of thousands of hours to doing just this, and has been no exception. It would appear that, in general, was a busier year for LandSAR operations than previously. It is possible that some of the increases in the outcome measures may, in part, be attributable to improvements in the quantity and quality of data that LandSAR groups input to the reporting system. Input Hours Administration 39,005 46,530 SAR Exercises 42,780 19,792 Training 99, ,031 Total Non-Operational Effort In order to be in a position to undertake these operations, Groups of course are heavily involved in training and support activities to enable them to have the capability and capacity to be able to respond for the NZ Police. In LandSAR volunteers invested 181,244 hours in administration, training and support activity. The breakdown of this is: 181, ,353 In comparison to last year, it would appear that LandSAR volunteers are spending less time on Administration and more time on SAR exercises, which is a positive trend. The amount of training undertaken by volunteers was approximately 8500 hours down on This is almost certainly reflective of the ongoing issues relating to training delivery entities and the Tertiary Education Commission review of funding for the emergency management sector. A key tool for LandSAR to assess the capability and capacity of our Groups to deliver SAR services to the NZ Police is the Annual Operational Audit conducted using the Group Planning Tool (formerly referred to as the Analysis Tool for Groups [ATFG] process). Whilst this process is being continually refined and improved, it has been delivering to LandSAR valuable data and information on the Groups and their relative and absolute levels of capability and capacity. In particular the process allows LandSAR to S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 10 NEW ZEALAND

13 better ascertain the demand for training and equipment from the Groups. This in turn will allow us to proactively procure this training and equipment for the Groups, and remain in control of the training agenda. It could be argued that previously training in particular has been supplydriven, and not demand-driven. In further refinements were made to the measurement system underlying the GPT process. This resulted in a small change to the way in which the scores for individual Groups were calculated, meaning that the overall average score is not exactly comparable to the previous year (the average across all Groups went from 77% to 73%). LandSAR is confident that overall capability and capacity levels are as good if not better than the previous year. Organisational Update LandSAR as an organisation has experienced a period of rapid and significant growth over the last three to four years. In the main this is related to a significant increase in funding from the Outdoor Safety Committee of the Lotteries Grants Board. Staff numbers have risen to eight FTEs and a new constitution has been bedded in. This rapid growth has been challenging at times for the organisation, and saw both the Chief Executive and the National Training Coordinator leave LandSAR, along with one of the Field Support Officers. The organisation is now concentrating on consolidating the gains made in the past few years, and creating a culture that is outcome focused and quality focused. Despite these challenges Land- SAR continues to improve as a SAR resource for the New Zealand public and international visitors through the NZ Police. We are becoming more capable, better equipped, and our capacity remains at a level that can service the MOU with NZ Police. Table 1 All INCOME NZ Police $550,000 $350,000 $325,000 $150,000 $150,000 NZSAR $0 $487,000 $608,000 $514,000 $650,000 Outdoor Safety Committee (Lotteries) $55,000 $423,000 $1,173,000 $1,017,000 $1,310,000 Lion Foundation $0 $0 $10,000 $13,000 $120,000 NZ Community Trust $0 $20,000 $20,000 $30,000 $30,000 Pub Charity $0 $1,000 $10,000 $10,000 $50,000 Other $30,000 $113,000 $10,000 $49,000 $21,000 Totals $635,000 $1,394,000 $2,156,000 $1,783,000 $2,331, = 14 months ANNUALREPORT PAGE 11

14 2012 LandSAR QBBR workshop Can you tie a doubled longtail anchor? Can you draw a 9:1 c bowline? Can you build an pulley system? Can you identify emergency heli net? Can you rig a what load is being applied to an stretcher for vertical travel using anchor and convert it into a force? standard purcell/jigger rig? Can If you can t (or if you think you you improvise a stretcher rig can) then you might consider the using webbing for an horizontal next LandSAR QBBR workshop. If stretcher in vertical terrain? Can you are in the South Island you you change over from raise to will probably need to wait until lower blindfolded? Can you build Time to sharpen your skills an 8mm tandem prusik belay? with knots, forces, and systems. Can you do a 2 point adjustable The 2012 LandSAR QBBR workshop was a total success. It was brilliantly orchestrated by Peter Zimmer (LandSAR) and open to all the SARs (mountain, water, canyon, cave, urban, etc...). Out of 20+ participants, only three of us were directly or indirectly involved with CaveSAR. Yann-Pierre Montelle NZSS; CCG; CaveSAR Operational Activities LandSAR Staff Search Management Support Group (SMSG) saw the establishment and initial work of the SMSG as a support and advisory group made up of experienced, highly qualified and current search managers from within the LandSAR membership. The purpose of the SMSG is to assist LandSAR to develop and champion best practice systems, processes, methodologies and philosophies to enhance current search management efforts. Key projects which the SMSG will be working on over the next few years include: Operational Risk Management Framework Initial Response and Formal Search Planning guidelines Review of Incident Management Guidelines Review and maintenance of the current suite of operational forms and documentation Resource Tracking guidelines and tools POD field trials Operational debriefing and lessons learnt policy and guidelines Search Management Manual SAREX assessment methodologies. S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 12 NEW ZEALAND

15 Technical AND Specialist meetings We have organised or facilitated a number of specialist technical meetings and workshops over the period, for example the technical backcountry rope rescue skills workshops. Field Support Officers It has been another hectic year for the FSOs as they strive to provide valuable support to their volunteer Groups whilst continuing to explore exactly what their role in the organisation should be. And of course there have been challenges with Fritz having to take over the national training coordination role on a temporary basis, leaving us one staff member down in the South Island, extended periods of annual leave for others, and the resignation of Iain Watson and all of this against the general undercurrent of frustration brought about by the uncertainty in the training landscape. In addition to their day jobs of supporting the Groups the guys also have other portfolios in their own areas of interest or expertise, and the good news of course is that they have achieved some very pleasing results such as: The development of a 10-year national tracking strategy which provides a destination and a pathway for the advanced operational tracking activities and the framework for the operational competencies for those aspiring to be credentialled operational trackers at the various levels of proficiency (Ian Newman) The continued advances made in the area of operational visual tracking particularly working in conjunction with search dogs as another tactical option, which creates some exciting possibilities for enhancing our search capabilities (Ian Newman) The establishment of a Back Country Technical Rescue Advisory Group to provide oversight, guidance and support to LandSAR on all aspects of back country technical rescue including alpine and cliff rescue, high angle rescue, cave, canyon and swiftwater rescue (Pete Zimmer) Continued refresher training for our ACR teams including a national technical rope rescue workshop and avalanche rescue IMTEXs and SAREXs in both the South and North Islands (Pete Zimmer) The development and implementation of the field team member competencies and a review of the field team leader competencies (Fritz van Rooden) Attendance at the Washington State SAR Conference to build international partnerships and to benchmark ourselves on the world stage (Fritz van Rooden) Continued and valued support to LandSAR Search Dogs (Iain Watson) The delivery of Group IMT training for the initial response period throughout the Southern Region which could provide the template for the rest of the country for years to come (Iain Watson). NZ Police SAR Review (Phase II) LandSAR is involved in the second phase of the Police review of their SAR delivery. We have made a submission to the NZ Police on their draft Terms of Reference, and will continue to give feedback to the process as it unfolds. ANNUALREPORT PAGE 13

16 Funding Update LandSAR receives funding each year from a variety of sources and as an organisation LandSAR has experienced a period of rapid and significant growth over the last three to four years. In the main this is related to a significant increase in funding from the Outdoor Safety Committee of the Lottery Grants Board. Another significant area of funding for LandSAR nationally is the Gaming Machine funding sources. At present, the Lion Foundation is the largest donor of Gaming Machine funds for us. SLA Funding Field staff salaries $100,000 NTC Salary $70,000 Each year, through our Service Level Agreement, LandSAR receives funding from the NZSAR Council, and in the year just past the funding was used in these ways. National Office staff salaries $120,000 Research, development and working groups $60,000 Training support $220,000 Field staff travel and support $80,000 $650,000 S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 14 NEW ZEALAND

17 LION FOUNDATION FUNDING Continuation training $5,000 Field initial training $50,000 Group and Regional Support $20,000 Specialist Training $10,000 Training Equipment $5,000 Training Resources $20,000 OSC FUNDING ALLOCATION Activities and resources $60,000 The Lion Foundation applies over $50 million in grants to community groups each year, and we ve been fortunate to have received funding from them every year for the last five years. Without this sort of consistent year-on-year funding a number of very valuable initiatives simply wouldn t be possible. In we received $120,000 from the Lion Foundation. This funding was directed specifically at training, and was allocated across a series of training areas as shown below. The Lion Foundation funding is critical to LandSAR s ability to deliver training and support to Groups. We re confident our partnership with Lion Foundation will endure for years to come and help us do the best job we can. Admin Groups, specialist disciplines and Nat Office Domestic travel SMSG and Competencies $206,000 $35,000 AGM and Conference $100,000 Salaries Nat Office and groups SAR Equipment and uniform Training for specialist disciplines $341,250 $571,430 $126,500 Volunteer Training travel $50,000 Total for $1,490,180 ANNUALREPORT PAGE 15

18 Kapiti Observer Jan 2012 S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 16 NEW ZEALAND

19 Kapiti News Kapiti News YEARBOOK PAGE 17

20 Gisborne Herald S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 18 NEW ZEALAND

21 Northern Outlook YEARBOOK PAGE 19

22 LandSAR Outcomes Audit LandSAR experienced a number of significant changes during , including the departure of the Chief Executive and the National Training Coordinator. As a result, the Scoreboard Targets for were reviewed and re-prioritised and some targets were not pursued. The Scoreboard Target as presented shows where some objectives were not pursued, and an adjustment of the scoring system to accommodate this has been made. 1. Operational SAR Services Total WEIGHTING: 30% Objective Initial Objective Weighting Responsibility Target outcome Actual Outcome Revised Objective Weighting Final Score 1 Build a robust and mutually beneficial relationship with the Police and RCC NZ. 5% CEO Meet with PNHQ Police four times annually with Groups and staff regularly meeting with Police SAR Coordinators and op managers. Relationship is robust & beneficial to all parties. 5% 5% 2 Review the Police/RCC NZ MOU annually to ensure it reflects the needs of LandSAR volunteers. 3% CEO Obtain information from all sources to feed into the MOU review process. Updated MOU signed by all parties in % 3% Ensure the national reporting system (manual and electronic) reflects the current needs of LandSAR. Assist Groups/Regions in maintaining training and qualification records. Put in place Group support systems and strategies. Put in place the OSC funding formula that is agreed for our allocation. 5% CEO/NOM 4% NTC 10% NOM 3% CEO/NOM Increase the online system usage and the value and understanding of the manual system. Scope the LandSAR website and database needs and develop an electronic template for group training records. Review the operational risk management process, distribute the 2012 National Training Calendar, identify SME lists where required and develop the Group Planning Tool (GPT). Establish Group needs and apply them to our application. Online reporting uptake has increased over the year from 44% to 80%. LandSAR website and database needs are under a review which will be completed in % 3% 4% 2% Done 10% 10% Done. All funds allocated as per OSC decision and all funds expended. Accountability completed. 3% 3% 30% TOTAL Total Score 30% 26% S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 20 NEW ZEALAND

23 2. Performance, best PRACTICE and REPORTING Total WEIGHTING: 30% Objective Initial Objective Weighting Responsibility Target outcome Actual Outcome Revised Objective Weighting Final Score 7 Review Group operational and training capability. 4% NOM/FSOs Complete the Group Planning Tool. Implemented in with some changes. 4% 4% 8 Progress the Search Management Support Group (SMSG) policy. 4% NOM Fine tune the SMSG detail through membership and key partner consultation and implement. SMSG is established and work is underway. 4% 4% 9 Support fundraising issues and develop new ideas for commercialisation to enhance our total membership capability. 3% CEO Develop fundraising strategies that will enhance both national and local Group opportunities. Fundraising sub-committee established and commercial partnership initiatives underway. 3% 2% 10 Develop standards and competencies team member, team leader and management. 7% NOM/NTC Develop competencies aimed at all levels of the field and management process. Development process underway. Field Team Member and Probationary Field Team Member released for pilot in % 5% 11 Put in place the recommendations outlined in the PIRP of the Chch Earthquake mobilisation. 4% Board/CEO/NOM Compile a pre-plan for regional mobilisation and other recommendations as published. Done 4% 4% 12 Publish a LandSAR Administration Support Manual. 3% OM Formulate and produce hard copies supporting all major areas of admin. Done 3% 3% 13 Progress the application and procurement of LandSAR Outdoor Safety Committee resources for Group, regional and national application from GPT feedback. 5% CEO/OM Gather all input, check specialist needs and make application for the year. Done application was successful and increased overall allocation to LandSAR by nearly $200,000. 5% 5% 30% Total Total Score 30% 27% ANNUALREPORT PAGE 21

24 3. Development and TRAINING Total WEIGHTING:25% Objective Initial Objective Weighting Responsibility Target outcome Actual Outcome Revised Objective Weighting Final Objective Score 14 Assist Groups to ensure they have a relationship with all key partners in their communities. 3% FSOs Ensure local councils are aware of and formulate a template for LandSAR Groups to approach local councils. Template development not considered priority in Not actioned. 0% 0% 15 Ensure that LandSAR has a key advocacy role in the development of legislation and other areas that are important to the participation, safety and success of our membership. 2% CEO/NOM Ensure that LandSAR scans new legislation or has input into key advocacy issues that are significant to our volunteer membership. Submission made to Gambling Harm Reduction Bill. Other legislation scanned. 2% 2% 16 Assist Groups with rationalising membership to look at current NZ demographics and opportunities for enhanced membership makeup. 3% NOM/FSOs Develop a strategy with groups around recruitment and retention based on population densities and operational needs. FSOs have worked with individual Groups to ensure that membership lists are current and represent the capability and capacity of the Groups. 3% 2% 17 Ensure that LandSAR has a focus on the evolution of techniques, resources and strategies that give support and improved capability to our membership and key partners. 5% NOM Review, update and add to all operational projects for approval or sign off from the Board and progress. SMSG and National Operations Manager undertaking operational projects to improve capability, capacity and consistency amongst Groups. 5% 3% 18 Develop an induction process for new members with both national and local content. 3% CEO/NOM Design and formulate an induction process that will support local recruitment and retention of volunteers. Not prioritised in % 0% 19 Apply the operational outcomes stated in the National Training Strategy. 6% NTC Introduce continuation training and assessment workshops in core skills. Most of Training Calendar events delivered in where demand existed. 6% 3% 20 Streamline LandSAR membership resources. 3% FSOs Encourage a local focus on SAR quality of membership rather than quantity. Not actioned in % 0% 25% TOTAL Total Score 16% 10% S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 22 NEW ZEALAND

25 4. Relationship, LEADERSHIP, FINANCE and SUPPORT Total WEIGHTING:15% Objective Initial Objective Weighting Responsibility Target outcome Actual Outcomes Revised Objective Weighting Final Objective Score 21 Raise the levels of community recognition of the LandSAR brand. 2% CEO Update the LandSAR Style Guide and look at opportunities for community membership recognition. Brand and media management achieved improved profile for LandSAR. 2% 2% 22 Monitor and report on targets and budget. 2% Board/CEO Meet LANDSAR monthly financial targets and reports. Monthly financial targets and reports met. 2% 2% 23 Gain a third stream of significant funding. 9% CEO Ensure that our secure funding streams are diversified. New funding approach developed and initiated with Board Fundraising Committee. 9% 8% 24 Business Plans for available to membership and key partners. 2% CEO/Board Once signed off by the Board, place the Business Plan on the website and circulate to all Group Chairs and Secretaries. Done 2% 2% 15% TOTAL Total Score 15% 14% 100% TOTAL Total Score 91% 77% LandSAR Outcomes Audit Final Result is 85% (58% in ) ANNUALREPORT PAGE 23

26 Reporting In general, was a busier year for LandSAR SAROPs than previously. It is possible that some of the increases in the outcome measures may, in part, be attributable to improvements in the quantity and quality of data that LandSAR Groups input to the reporting system. In comparison to last year, it would appear that the LandSAR volunteers are spending less time on administration and more time on SAR exercises, which is a positive trend. The amount of training delivered to volunteers was approximately 8500 hours down on This reflects the ongoing issues relating to training delivery entities (Tai Poutini Polytechnic and SARINZ) and the Tertiary Education Commission review of funding for the emergency management sector. Approximately 75% of LandSAR Groups are now reporting using our online system, which is an improvement on the 50% uptake at the end of The figures shown here are sourced from LandSAR data. Activity Category 1 SAROPs Category 2 SAROPs Volunteers used during SAROPs Volunteer hours during SAROPs 28,370 20,030 Persons at risk Lives Saved Persons Rescued Persons Assisted Persons Perished Persons not found LandSAR 1 July June 2012 Operations by Quarter Q1 87 Q2 77 Q3 127 Q Total 421 SAROPs S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 24 NEW ZEALAND

27 LandSAR volunteers INVESTED 181,246 hours in non-operational time i.e. administration, training and support activity in the year. The breakdown of this is: Input Hours Administration 39,005 46,530 SAR Exercises 42,442 19,792 Training 99, ,031 Total Non- Operational Effort 181, ,353 LandSAR 1 July June 2012 NON-OPERATIONS TIME SUMMARY 200,000 Total Non-Op Hours 181, , , ,000 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 120,000 2nd Quarter 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 Total Admin 39,005 Total Training Prep 4,928 Total Internal Training 66,930 Total External Training 27,941 1 Total SAREX 42,442 1st Quarter 0 Admin Training Prep Internal Training External Training SAREX Total LandSAR 1 July June ,613 Total Volunteer Hours Operations 28,370 Hours 14% Admin 39,005 Hours 18% SAREX 42,780 Hours 20% Training 99,459 Hours 48% ANNUALREPORT PAGE 25

28 Profile on Dave Withers Earlier this year Dave Withers was recognised for his lifelong dedication to search and rescue with the presentation of an Eastern Police District Commander Commendation for his actions and efforts in search and rescue in Wairoa and Te Urewera National Park. Dave s commitment to search and rescue began nearly 50 years ago. In March 1963 he was among those who founded Wairoa rescue organisation and he has held the position of chairman for over 48 years. As he leaves that role, Dave has been awarded the position of Patron a first in the history of SAR. Dave is highly regarded and respected in the community and has immense skill, expertise and wisdom. He has trained and mentored hundreds of personnel, attended countless hours of training, and has been instrumental in fundraising hundreds of thousands of dollars for his team, training and equipment. In 1988 more than $70,000 was raised to purchase a new helicopter when Wairoa rescue helicopter pilot Andy Shaw lost his helicopter in an arson attack. In his early days with SAR Dave spent time blazing trails through the back country to allow access for search and rescue. As the need for searchers increased, Dave began to recruit more volunteers. In the years since, Dave has held many roles as police adviser, search controller, team leader and searcher on more than 200 challenging searches, some extending to nine days in duration. Dave says, I am a great believer in the team effort and spirit. It s all about passing it on. As long as we are training people, bringing the young ones through and helping the community, we are achieving our goals. Dave has set up many of the systems that still operate today, including the SAR helicopter pads throughout Te Urewera, permanent radio repeaters, and the SAR headquarters systems and processes. In 2007 Wairoa SAR won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards, a just tribute for a team dedicated to saving lives. S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 26 NEW ZEALAND

29 When Dave was nominated for the New Zealand Search and Rescue Gold Award in 2010 it was a testimony to his many years of dedication. He said, The key is working with good people, and I ve been a part of some wonderful teams with some wonderful people. If I can contribute to saving one person s life each and every year as a member of Wairoa SAR, then all my efforts have been very worthwhile. snippets The Wairoa born and bred farmer has spent his life on the land, and search and rescue has been a natural extension of his farming life. Dave lives by the banks of the Ruakituri River on Tuahu Station where he farmed for many years. Dave remains as an adviser to the local Wairoa SAR and has his backpack and boots at the ready for the next search. In 2007 Dave wrote a book called Tales from the Ruakituri Valley. YEARBOOK PAGE 27

30 LandSAR 2011 award Winning photos Category A Ops and Training Ice Dog Wayne Miller, Otago Category B General Interest Iroquois S Milicich, Taupo Category C SCENIC Kapakapanui S Milicich, Taupo S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 28 NEW ZEALAND

31 Some of the other photos that were entered in the competition... Category A Ops and Training Category B General Interest Category C SCENIC YEARBOOK PAGE 29

32 CaveSAR in NZ John (Oz) Patterson NZ has a very DIVERSE RANGE of CAVES and caving areas which require different expertise in rescue techniques and training. CaveSAR s current membership is about 160, made up from seven regional groups. Each region has its own likely rescue scenarios based on the nature of their local caves: one area might have smaller caves and is likely to have a rescue requiring the removal of constrictions, while another area will have caves prone to flooding, and another region deep vertical caves. Training undertaken during the year included LandSAR Initial Response courses, LandSAR IMTEXs, TCA training, and the Queens Birthday Rope Rescue course. In house CaveSAR training included regional Cave SAREXs, Underground communications training, Underground Hot Spot survival techniques, and practical sessions for our De-obstruction team. These De-obstruction CaveSAR members are now recognised by Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma). A comprehensive Code of Practice Manual was prepared and submitted as part of this assessment process. During this past year CaveSAR ran a successful National Cave IMTEX at Waitomo. The event was attended by CaveSAR management personnel from around the country, local Police SAR Squad members and LandSAR volunteers. The weekend looked at CaveSAR specific CIMS roles, cave rescue paper exercises, and was an opportunity to discuss different strategies for cave rescue. Compared to other countries we only have a small pool of experienced and trained cavers available to help in a rescue. Our IMT personnel have to take into account the abilities of all the rescuers when making team selections to utilise rescuers to the best of their capabilities and minimise the potential for a secondary rescue. The weekend was made possible thanks to funding from LandSAR NZ. A combined South Island Cave sarex is planned for late September at Punakaiki on the West Coast, with cavers from round the South Island participating. The triennial National Deepcave SAREX will be held in March 2013 S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 30 NEW ZEALAND

33 over three days, involving a rescue exercise from the Ellis Basin Cave System (33km long and 1km deep). The Deepcave SAREX is a test of CaveSAR s capabilities and state of readiness for both IMT and underground personnel rather than a training exercise. Specialist rope skills courses were the most common courses attended by Cavesar members, hopefully these will run again in the near future. As a stop gap measure Cavesar Group nationally is contracting some Rope Rescue refresher courses to help maintain rescue skills at a consistent level. A major cave rescue requires a national deployment of Cavesar personnel. A caver from Auckland may have to work beside someone from Nelson and use identical rope rescue systems. It was good to see Fritz van Rooden from LandSAR NZ get under ground during a training exercise with the Nelson CaveSAR team late last year. It was a very successful day which compared the Michie phonewire-based communications system with an under ground radio system. The under ground radio was an unequivocal success. The units are used extensively by the French Cave Rescue organisation, but have not been available for a number of years. A new production run is expected soon and we hope to get a number of sets for Cave Rescue first-response teams. Over the last 12 months an unprecedented amount of deep exploration caving and new discoveries has taken place in the Nelson karst areas of Mt Arthur, Mt Owen and Takaka Hill. The Middle Earth cave, for example, site of the 2007 major rescue, is now 14km longer than when the rescue occurred. Thankfully there have been no major cave rescues this last year, though there has been a significant number of caver incidents and injuries which fortunately were able to be self-rescued by other team members. It is reassuring to have the skilled cave rescuers available when we do need them, and also to have the support of LandSAR NZ and other LandSAR members. Oz Patterson LandSAR Caving Photo courtesy of Nelson Mail ANNUALREPORT PAGE 31

34 TEENAGERS ON TRACK The members of Youth Search and Rescue (YSAR) Hamilton are committing a major portion of their spare time, resources and energy to learning how to save the lives of lost New Zealanders and tourists, both in our beautiful bush and in urban situations. Members attend weekly search and rescue training sessions and implement their learning through participation in intensive, challenging and rewarding fortnightly weekend camps. Throughout their three years of training they undertake four challenging solo assessments. The first of these involves a 12-hour overnight stay without any contact with the outside world a challenge for many young teenagers so hooked into technology, noise and urban lifestyles. The last, Solo 4, requires them to navigate their way across a planned 14km route off track in the bush within 48 hours. Participants sense of belonging, pride in their organisation and ongoing acquisition of technical skill and personal achievement are a direct reflection of Barry and Ena Were s inspiration, support and motivation. while preparing them to save the lives of lost and injured persons, with the ultimate goal of equipping New Zealand with a new breed of specialist search and rescue personnel. This programme has now broadened to equip its members with the skills to enable them to excel personally in their own journey throughout life. The achievements of YSAR Hamilton are extensive. Members have participated in 32 land search callouts since A group of YSAR graduates made themselves available to assist in the March search operation in Christchurch following the February earthquake, and delivered invaluable assistance. YSAR Hamilton members have attended numerous New Zealand LandSAR conferences, presenting papers to conference delegates sharing aspects of their training and the roles they played in searches throughout the Waikato, King Country and Coromandel regions. Six years ago Barry and Ena established this unique youth training organisation. Their original mission was to impart to youth through a specific LandSAR training programme a love, respect and understanding of the New Zealand wilderness S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 32 NEW ZEALAND

35 Science fair projects have taken on a new meaning for YSAR members, giving them real purpose by putting gear used for search and rescue to physical tests. In one case, results brought about a change in the way gear is used; another resulted in change in a particular gear item used in searches. The Hamilton City Council Recognyz Youth Awards, designed to showcase the amazing contributions young people make to Hamilton, saw YSAR Hamilton win the Dream Team category in 2010, recognising community involvement and volunteering. In addition, Cayla Were, a YSAR Hamilton first year instructor, was one of three finalists in the youth leadership category. The passion for life displayed by YSAR Hamilton s committed members gives us hope for the future of our young people and our community. All the achievements of this inspiring organisation drive Barry and Ena, the trustees, the instructors, and the numerous volunteers committed to what was initially a youth search and rescue training organisation, to give up hours, days, holidays and family time to be part of a vision that is more than anything the two initial founders had any thought of achieving. SNIPPETS In YSAR Hamilton during the July 2012 school break: two members attempted and passed their Solo 4 two members assisted with track maintenance in the Kaimais four members completed a five-day traverse of the Kaimai Ranges one ex-member worked on the computer software upgrade for live tracking 16 members carried SAR pagers and kept day packs at the ready for a search callout. YEARBOOK PAGE 33

36 Outward bound Outward Bound Community Partnerships Outward Bound generously offered LandSAR NZ a number of Community Partnerships for volunteers during this financial year. The partnerships were primarily aimed at developing the leadership skills of the up-and-comers who may take on key group leadership positions in the future. The scholarships were valued at more than $30,000 and were a fantastic opportunity for LandSAR members. We are most grateful to Outward Bound for their ongoing support of the volunteers in this way. S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 34 NEW ZEALAND

37 Recipients of this YEAR s partnerships were Discovery (8 days age 27 40) Adrian Sheat Brent Arthur Gavin Frampton Julie Olds Justine Baverstock Peter Field Anne-Marie Mathieson Masters (21 days age 27+) Andrew McCarthy Emlyn Wright John Sanford Nathan Rakena Philip Browne Steffan Rolfe Tim Muir Scott Morgan LandSAR NZ and Outward Bound have also agreed on further partnerships going into the future, so the opportunity will be available to those who want to avail themselves of it. There will be places available on the Classic Courses, Discovery 8 and the Masters 21. YEARBOOK PAGE 35

38 LandSAR NZ search Dogs Inc John Evans LandSAR DOGS has CONTINued to build on the GREAT foundation laid by our outgoing Chairman and Committee members. Most importantly, the operational search dog teams have had call outs and successfully located more missing parties and significant clues in the past 12 months than ever before. Pleasingly, it is new handlers and dog teams that are featuring significantly in the number of finds. To me this means that our training programmes are effective and our trained and equipped resource works in the real world. In a number of areas the teams are now deployed as a matter of course regularly and early in the search response. Again, current and past members of the team have featured in both LandSAR and National (Royal) Honours. John Tristram, Brenda Woolley and Kim Charles all received awards. We have been very fortunate to have people of such high calibre and dedication as part of our team. The organisation has worked over the past year to mature its policies and procedures. This allows us to create a framework in which to make decisions and (hopefully) make the boat go faster by making far more activity business as usual, rather than needing management committee attention. I m very proud of our public documents, our annual report and twomonthly newsletter and invite you to review them at our web site ( We had a number of members involved in the inaugural Combined Visual and Scent Tracking workshop in the North Island and they were wildly enthusiastic about how well the disciplines combined. This will help in making search teams even more effective and more likely to achieve successful outcomes. While it seems fairly obvious we look after dogs that operate in the wilderness environment, we also have dedicated Avalanche Dog Teams. These teams operate generally in the ski resort areas and have recently been deployed several times. For the first time ever, this year we plan on holding a North Island Avalanche Assessment Camp as we build the S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 36 NEW ZEALAND

39 numbers of teams available in the North Island ski areas. During the year we have had great support from LandSAR, our sponsors and the Police Dog section. I would like to publically thank our dedicated group of trainers and assessors who give many hours of their own time to help everyone else with their training. I would also like to thank the other members of the management committee who spend many hours each week working to make our small group run smoothly and effectively. The current success we are seeing is very much due to the combined dedication, skill and selflessness of all our members and in particular our committee and assessor/trainers. We have set ourselves a number of goals for the upcoming year, and we aim to keep getting better at what we do. Our members look forward to being of service and to helping LandSAR continue to provide search and rescue support for the lost, missing and injured. john evans CHAIR LandSAR SEARCH Dogs CURRENT OPERATIONAL DOGS Name Area Dog DISCIPLINE Benn Cash RARO Jack Avo Phil Couch RARO Ice Avo Anna Easthope Cardrona Rua & Ra Avo Nathan Fraser Cardrona Baz Avo Matt Gunn TC Rocket Avo Stephen Hunter Tekapo Laya Avo Brendon Kearns TC Milly Avo Dan Kennedy Mt Hutt Ayla Avo Vladka Kennett Queenstown Jacques Avo Craig Martella RARO Jack Avo Brent MacDonald Remarkables Honi Avo Dave McKinley Twizel Simba Avo Rob Teasdale Mt Hutt Ben Avo Courtney Wiedel Mt Hutt Ernie Avo Mark Allen Twizel Koda Area Alex Britton Wellington Maku Area Larry Charles Murchison Namu Ammo Trk Sue Chesterfield Wellington Matai Trk Area Sally Collis Reefton Gidget Area Matt Dodd Nelson Pi Area Barry Dougherty Mosgiel YIp Area Ron Ealam Oxford Seika Trk Area Duncan Hamilton West Coast Baxter Trk Graeme Hill Hamilton Gemma Trk Ross Humphrey Taupo Haze Trk Dave Krehic Christchurch Stig Area Avo Bridget Martin Auckland Zinzan Trk Area Dermot Mayock Dunedin Fin Area Nicholas Sleeman Dunedin Gus Area Rachel Procter Palmerston North Fledge Area Avo Avalanche Trk Tracking Area Area Search ANNUALREPORT PAGE 37

40 Profile on Mark Allen LandSAR Search Dog Handler Mark, Koda and Stig training in Twizel A Maori fella once told me the kumara doesn t talk of its own sweetness. So though LandSAR asked me to write about my own involvement with Search Dogs, I thought I would write about another LandSAR character. This fella, usually dressed in short denim stubbies, joined LandSAR Search Dogs about the same time as me. I first met Mark Allen 11 years ago on a dog training camp in Tapawera, where we instantly hit it off, staying up late after a day s training yarning over a beer or gin. Mark is one of those guys who has a lot of knowledge and experience, but doesn t talk himself up. He has been sharing this knowledge for the last six years in his role as a trainer/assessor for LandSAR Search Dogs, getting a lot of enjoyment seeing young, inexperienced handlers become great dog handlers. Recent statistics show search dogs are being deployed more frequently and are having higher find success rates. This is thanks to the efforts of a number of senior members such as Mark, who are involved in LandSAR Search Dogs. Mark developed an interest in dogs when he was five years old, his favourite breed being the loyal border collie. At age 16 he started working with dogs as a successful musterer and hunter. He has had many working dogs, the most memorable being Sue (heading dog), Pudding (huntaway), Joe (sheepdog), Ben (sheepdog), Tike (sheepdog), Wag (gundog), and Koda (huntaway cross). Mark says Koda (his current operational search dog) and Joe are the best dogs he has had. Mark loves being a search dog handler, mostly because of the remote scenic places it takes him. My dog Stig and I have been lucky enough to share some of these experiences alongside Mark and Koda. We have all travelled together by fixed wing, jet boat and chopper on many occasions all over the South Island. Koda and Stig are great mates, and whenever I visit Twizel both Koda and Stig go crazy with excitement anticipating another mission. Mark received the Queen s Medal for 15 years in the Fire Service, and he has been a crew boss with the Rural Fire Department for five years. He is a S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 38 NEW ZEALAND

41 Mark & Koda, Stig & I, Brent & Ella on a search near the Dart Glacier highly respected member of Omarama SAR group, which he joined 15 years ago. A senior manager at Meridian Energy, Mark is also a grandfather numerous times over, and for the past few years I have watched him transform his hunk of dirt out the back of Twizel into an amazing landscaped home. LandSAR is lucky to have passionate volunteers like Mark who don t want any recognition, yet find the time to share their skills and experiences with others. These volunteers are a great asset to LandSAR and to New Zealand. SNIPPETS Lives in the Twizel area Has been involved in search and rescue for over twenty years Has been with search dogs for the last nine years Has a search dog called Koda Koda is half huntaway and half heading dog Has been a search dog assessor for six years. Dave Krehic Mark & Koda with Ron & Tess at Falls Hut, Routeburn Track YEARBOOK PAGE 39

42 Recognition of LandSAR Volunteers contribution to Operation West The 500 or so LandSAR volunteers who took part in Operation West after the Christchurch Earthquake in February 2011 were honoured in March 2012 by the presentation of an award from the Christchurch City Council. The citation reads: In recognition of acts of kindness, service and heroism during and following the Christchurch earthquakes. Congratulations on the award, it is a reminder to us all that we are privileged to live in a world where others are prepared to selflessly come to the aid of those in need and provide assistance, comfort and protection. The plaque is on display in the National Office. LandSAR Chairman Phil Melchior was asked by the Council to receive the award from Mayor Bob Parker on behalf of the organisation nationally. The Christchurch group, and the volunteers from all over the country who joined Operation West know that the thing that really counts is the people they were able to help and the comfort and assurance they were able to bring to those who were distressed. Nonetheless it s nice to be thanked in this formal way and as Bob Parker said, it s good to see LandSAR getting the recognition it deserves, Phil said. In the letter from the Christchurch City Council announcing the award, Parker said: In the aftermath of these tragic events New Zealand Land Search and Rescue sent assistance to our city in its darkest hour, providing invaluable support in rescue and recovery. S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 40 NEW ZEALAND

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44 the LandSAR nz Audit and Risk Committee Report John Scobie Financially, has been a challenging year for LandSAR. During the year we incurred unbudgeted and unavoidable employment-related costs and the Board also incurred unbudgeted costs in supporting Search Dogs in a legal case brought by one of their members. The Board also authorised spending that necessitated the use of reserves on the understanding that commercial funding or grants from philanthropic trusts would be received that would cover this expenditure. Unfortunately this income was not generated, resulting in a draw down on our reserves. The result is that our reserves now stand at $260,000. The Board and management will have to work hard to ensure that our reserves are restored while at the same time ensuring that there is no degradation of the services provided to our Groups and members. Significant time has been spent in on reviewing LandSAR s policies. Many of the policies are now being managed as operational procedures which means that the CEO is accountable for approving them, with ratification from the Board. Finally, the OSC and Police grants have historically been treated as a liability in the same way as tagged funding from the Lion Foundation and other grant providers. Our accounting advisers and auditors have both confirmed that because these grants are not tagged, they should be recognised in full when received. Because of the historic nature of the adjustment and the amount ($165,583), the accounting rules require the correction to be made to the financial results for the previous year (i.e. the year) rather than the current year. The effect of the adjustment was to increase equity at the end of the year by $165,583 to $626,844. S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 42 NEW ZEALAND

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54 Profile on REX HENDRY New Board member Rex Hendry has never been too far away from the great outdoors. Starting his working life as an electrician on remote power stations, moving into instructing outdoor recreation in NZ and overseas, he now grows lavender and garlic in Taranaki. My working life seems to conform to blocks of about eight to ten years eight years as a sparkie, a little over eight as an outdoor instructor, about eight years as a local authority planner, a few years as Operation Manager Scott Base, and about eight as a DOC Area Manager. And now I m coming up eight years growing garlic. There are a few threads woven through all of these activities Search and Rescue, the Antarctic, and tertiary study. I went on my first SAR as a nine-year-old. One of the local school kids had drowned in a nearby lake, so I went out with my father on his boat for a few hours each day until the body was found. We weren t the ones to find him, but were involved in moving the body afterwards. It is certainly something that you never forget, he says. Rex formally joined the local SAR group in Turangi in the mid-1970s and has been in and out of Search and Rescue ever since. A few years later Rex was working in Outward Bound schools in Germany and Wales where the staff made up the local SAR teams. We had quite a few rescues at Outward Bound Baad in Germany. The school was up the end of a blind valley surrounded by mountains. Mountain walking is a national sport in Germany, so at Baad we were often called out several times a week. The trails and paths are all pretty well defined and most of the jobs were recovery of sprained ankles and similar. We d dash up the path with the stretcher on a single wheel, upload the patient and be back in the valley in a couple of hours, all done and dusted. Rex went to work at Scott Base as the Electrician in 1979 and was involved in the DC10 crash on Mount Erebus. Being the only member of the SAR team to be wintering over, he was pulled off the site after three days. He had fourteen months on the trot in the Antarctic at that time. S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 52 NEW ZEALAND

55 Subsequently, Rex has worked in the Antarctic for the British as a mountaineer/dog handler, sailed down on a 14-metre yacht, been the NZ Government Representative on tourist ships for a few years, and, for the past six years, worked seasonally as a field guide and lecturer on ships visiting both the Ross Sea and Australian Antarctic sectors. And his comments on tertiary education: I seem to have done quite a lot of study over the years. I must be a slow learner. Every time I d get qualified in something I d change jobs! SNIPPETS Has three adult children Lives with textile artist Sally Johnson just outside Egmont Village Featured on Country Calendar in May 2012 Walked the length of NZ through the bush in to focus attention on the North-South Walkway Likes good red wine and a relaxing game of golf not necessarily at the same time. Rex is also currently a member of the Taranaki- Whanganui Conservation Board, a council member of the Western Institute of Technology, and is a Search Manager for Taranaki LandSAR. YEARBOOK PAGE 53

56 S E A R C H & R E S C U E NEW ZEALAND Constitutional members of New Zealand Land Search and rescue FIRST SCHEDULE Associate MEMBERS as at 31 AUGUST 2011 The New Zealand Search and Rescue Council (NZSAR) New Zealand Police Rescue Coordination Centre of New Zealand (RCC NZ) Search And Rescue Institute of New Zealand (SARINZ) Department of Conservation (DOC) The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Incorporated (MSC) The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand Incorporated (FMC) Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) SECOND SCHEDULE List of Groups as at 31 AUGUST 2011 Arthurs Pass Rescue Auckland Land Search and Rescue Banks Peninsula Search and Rescue Club Inc Catlins Search and Rescue Central Otago SAR Christchurch Search and Rescue Clutha District Search and Rescue Dunedin Group Eastern Southland Combined SAR Ellesmere Search and Rescue Inc Far North Search and Rescue Organisation Inc Fiordland SAR Committee Gisborne Land Search and Rescue Golden Bay Search and Rescue Greymouth LandSAR Haast LandSAR Hamilton Search and Rescue Hanmer Springs Search and Rescue Hawke s Bay Search and Rescue Hokitika LandSAR Group Horowhenua Search and Rescue Committee Hurunui Land Search and Rescue Group Kaikoura Search and Rescue Kuaotunu Land Search & Rescue LandSAR Caving LandSAR Wanaka Marlborough Search and Rescue Methven Search and Rescue Inc Motueka Search and Rescue Murchison Search and Rescue Group North Otago Search and Rescue Inc Northland Search and Rescue Oxford Search and Rescue Paeroa Search & Rescue Palmerston North Land Search and Rescue Advisory Committee Inc. Rakaia Search and Rescue Reefton Search and Rescue Squad Rotorua LandSAR Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO) Ruapehu Search and Rescue Group Search and Rescue Karamea Search and Rescue Nelson Inc South Canterbury Group South Westland Search and Rescue S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 54 NEW ZEALAND

57 Southland LandSAR Stewart Island/Rakiura Search and Rescue Taihape Search and Rescue Group Tairua-Pauanui Land Search and Rescue Inc Taranaki Search and Rescue Group Tararua Search and Rescue Club Inc Taupo Search and Rescue Group Tauranga Search and Rescue Thames Land Search and Rescue Inc Turangi Search and Rescue Group Waihi LandSAR Wairarapa Search and Rescue Inc Wairoa Search and Rescue Inc Waitomo Search and Rescue Wakatipu LandSAR Wanganui Search and Rescue Inc. Wellington Land Search and Rescue Westport Land Search and Rescue Inc Whakatane Land Search and Rescue THIRD SCHEDULE List of SPECIALIST DISCIPLINES as at 31 AUGUST 2010 YSAR Hamilton YSAR Tauranga YSAR Nelson ACR teams - Christchurch ACR - Mt Cook/Twizel ACR - RARO (ACR) - Taranaki ACR - Wanaka ACR - Wakatipu ACR Caving teams - Auckland - Canterbury - Hamilton/Waitomo - Coast Cave - Manawatu - Nelson - Northland - Southland - Wellington LandSAR NZ Search Dogs - SAR Dogs Otago Swift Water Rescue - Tasman Swift Water FOURTH SCHEDULE List of NATIONAL Life MEMBERS as at 31 AUGUST 2010 Roger Barrowclough (Dunedin) December 2006 Roscoe Tait (Auckland) September 2007 Tom Clarkson (Wellington) September 2009 Roger Bates (Turangi) November 2010 ANNUALREPORT PAGE 55

58 Recipients of the New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Award Name Date Presented John P Tristram 20 Nov 1994 Roger Bates 20 Nov 1994 Roger Barrowclough 20 Nov 1994 **Peter Davis 20 Nov 1994 **Fred Gallas 20 Nov 1994 Ivan McLachlan 20 Nov 1994 Ted Robinson 20 Nov 1994 Roscoe Tait 20 Nov 1994 Barry Were 20 Nov 1994 Trevor Plowman 25 Mar 1995 **R W G (Ron) Kingston 11 Nov 1995 E S (Ted) Withers 11 Nov 1995 **Merv Passau 16 Mar 1996 Jim Rowe 16 Mar 1996 **Don McKay 24 Aug 1996 Don Major 24 Aug 1996 Ken Hayhurst 24 Aug 1996 Lawrence William Cobb 15 Mar 1997 **Alan Hepburn 15 Mar 1997 Keith Hepburn 15 Mar 1997 Neil Harris 15 Mar 1997 Edward (Ted) Neil Morgan 16 Aug 1997 Gordon Victor Brett 16 Aug 1997 Max Curtis 16 Aug 1997 Leon Bradley 16 Aug 1997 Alan V Berry 16 Aug 1997 **Ron Boocock 8 Nov 1997 Derick Mathews 8 Nov 1997 Anthony Jones 22 Aug 1998 Jim Farley 22 Aug 1998 Rod Mills 22 Aug 1998 Ray Furness 22 Aug 1998 **Kenneth James Burrows 14 Nov 1998 Gordon Edgar Hasell 14 Nov 1998 Ernie Hagger 21 Aug 1999 Mel Knauf 21 Aug 1999 Don Morrison 21 Aug 1999 **John Cassidy 21 Aug 1999 Ray Anstis 21 Aug 1999 Name Date Presented Don Bogie 21 Aug 1999 Noel Herman 14 Nov 1999 Terry Conaghan 14 Nov 1999 **Tom Luff 17 Jan 2000 John Mason 25 Mar 2000 Tom Carter 12 Apr 2000 Brent Martin 27 Apr 2000 Dallas Winch 19 Aug 2000 **Brian Ahern 19 Aug 2000 John Haynes 19 Aug 2000 Bill Jackson 11 Nov 2000 Jacqueline Martin 11 Nov 2000 Phil Malham 11 Nov 2000 Dave Saunders 4 Feb 2001 **Andrew Shaw 17 Mar 2001 John Jordan 26 Jun 2001 Neil Sinclair 26 Jun 2001 Phil Rundle 18 Aug 2001 Tony Taylor 18 May 2002 **Bruce Hedley Heighway 27 May 2002 Peter Mann 4 Apr 2002 Graham Thorp 17 Aug 2002 Dave Brewer 16 Nov 2002 Mark Paterson 16 Nov 2002 Chris Sharp 16 Nov 2002 Russell Watson 16 Nov 2002 Brian Benn 31 Aug 2003 Lyn Manning 31 Aug 2003 Daniel O Connell 31 Aug 2003 Paul Brennan 31 Aug 2003 Tom Hunter 31 Aug 2003 Markus Milne 15 Nov 2003 Linda Pike 15 Nov 2003 Larry Charles 15 Nov 2003 Andrew Pealing 15 Nov 2003 Alan Cross 23 Feb 2004 Terry Sweetman 23 Feb 2004 Tony McEnaney 23 Feb 2004 Mike DeLury 15 May 2004 Stephen Langridge 15 May 2004 S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 56 NEW ZEALAND

59 Name Date Presented Jim McIntosh 15 May 2004 Steven Neilson 15 May 2004 Rodney Perrin-Smith 15 May 2004 Barry Petrie 15 May 2004 Hacky Sims 15 May 2004 Paul Tinnelly 15 May 2004 John Torrance 15 May 2004 Ashley Shaw 15 May 2004 Tony Macklin 20 May 2004 Dave Kerwin 8 Jun 2004 Dave Brockway 8 Jun 2004 Dave Dittmer 29 Aug 2004 Noel Bigwood 29 Aug 2004 Alan Marks 29 Aug 2004 Peter Adams 29 Aug 2004 Bill Dowle 29 Aug 2004 Dave Comber 13 Nov 2004 Geoff Olorenshaw 13 Nov 2004 Brian Holland 13 Nov 2004 Don Geddes 13 Nov 2004 Des Wood 13 Nov 2004 Gary Brehaut 13 Nov 2004 Tric Moller 2 Feb 2005 Stuart Warrington 2 Feb 2005 Ron Ealam 27 Feb 2005 Arch Fidler 27 Feb 2005 Rod Lawrence 27 Feb 2005 Brian Judson 27 Feb 2005 Jeffrey Kerr 27 Feb 2005 Gary Davis 14 May 2005 David Maclean 14 May 2005 John Walsh 14 May 2005 Roger Curl 14 May 2005 Terry Patterson 8 Jun 2005 Mike Sheridan 8 Jun 2005 Marty Green 8 Jun 2005 Russell Miller 28 Aug 2005 **Eric Macdonald 28 Aug 2005 Phil Whitelaw 30 Sept 2005 Rob Duncan 16 Nov 2005 Walter Russell 16 Nov 2005 Richard John Hayes 27 Nov 2005 Lex Perriam 27 Nov 2005 Gerard Prins 13 May 2006 Brian Purdie 13 May 2006 Name Date Presented John P Tristram 13 May 2006 Phil Rundle 13 May 2006 Jim Lattimore 16 Nov 2006 Harvey Grieve 16 Nov 2006 Paul Dixon 16 Nov 2006 Don Scott 16 Nov 2006 Russell Currie 16 Nov 2006 David Barnes 16 Nov 2006 Trevor Pullar 16 Nov 2006 **Dennis Egeton 5 Dec 2006 Melvern Wainwright 5 Dec 2006 Keith Theobald 5 Dec 2006 Peter Vollweiler 17 Jun 2007 Dave Robertson 17 Jun 2007 Vince Dennis 17 Jun 2007 Dave Ward 29 Sept 2007 Stuart Thorne 29 Sept 2007 Brent Dalzell 29 Sept 2007 John McMillan 29 Sept 2007 Kevin Earl 29 Sept 2007 Roley Chaney 12 Aug 2008 Sandy Begbie 14 Dec 2008 Bruce Sandford 19 Aug 2008 John (JT) Thomason 22 July 2008 Dave Dittmer 20 Feb 2009 Glenn Mitchell 25 Sept 2009 Geoff Wayatt 25 Sept 2009 Alan Gillespie 25 Sept 2009 Debbie Robertson 25 Sept 2009 Jim Lewis 25 Sept 2009 Steve Wilks 25 Sept 2009 Mike Cotsilinis 25 Sept 2009 Matthew Nolan 25 Sept 2009 Dave Erson 15 Feb 2010 Laurie Gallagher 30 July 2010 Michael Irving 07 Sept 2010 Tony McLeod 29 Sept 2010 Gary Dickson 19 Nov 2010 Barry Shepherd 19 Nov 2010 Murray Johnston 19 Nov 2010 Brent MacDonald 19 Nov 2010 Kim Charles 26 Nov 2011 Hugh Flower 26 Nov 2011 David Withers 26 Nov 2011 ** Deceased ANNUALREPORT PAGE 57

60 Profile on Terry Blumhardt Turangi and RARO Search and Rescue was not unheard of in our house while I was growing up. Through his work Dad was called upon to offer local knowledge and advice, as well as actively joining teams in the field to look for lost persons in the Waitakere Ranges. I was under no illusion from an early age that SAR work often entailed being wet, tired and working up a hunger. Scouting set me on the path to the outdoors, and in 1993 I began an Outdoor Recreation course at a polytech in Turangi. That has led to a career move working more or less full time in adventure tourism since then, the easy job titles being Raft Guide and Walking Guide. As with most outdoors people living the dream, it takes many part time pieces to make up an entire working year. In 1993, a phone call from one of my tutors asking if I wanted to join in on a search got the SAR ball rolling for me. This was a practical example of being part of the outdoors community we had been learning about. Starting at that time I was able to be a part of what feels now like a different era, with some sizeable multi-day searches being a reasonably common occurrence in the Kaimanawa Ranges. Searchers were of course dressed discreetly in green, or the occasional purple and yellow fleece, until eventually the first of the fluoro vis-vests appeared. The Central North Island s varied terrain has given me plenty of opportunities to be involved in all kinds of SAR jobs: river rescues, alpine searches for wayward snowboarders, hunts for dementia sufferers heading off on foot to the next town 60km away even checking huts after a volcanic eruption. Occasionally some jobs attract media attention for whatever reason maybe due to tragedy or extreme conditions but for me the job that probably sums up who LandSAR people are was a search on Christmas Day for a lost hiker on Mount Tongariro. I figure that the best present we could possibly give anyone was to return their daughter to them: a great result! S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 58 NEW ZEALAND

61 Like any volunteer, probably the biggest challenge I face is treading the fine line of answering the call to join a SAR op or attend essential training, versus maintaining a reasonable income. Having the opportunity to travel to the UK Mountain Rescue Conference in 2008 and visit 18 teams over there was a definite SAR-related highlight. It was great meeting like-minded folk in another land. Attending a Search Methods course back in 1999 was the real game changer in my SAR life. Hearing the science behind the good intentions fuelled the fire for me to learn more. After completing most of the courses going, I was encouraged to apply to join the SARINZ team, and three years ago I began that journey. Getting to meet and work with enthusiastic LandSAR volunteers all over the country and finding out about how things tick in other areas has been a real privilege. The chance to absorb the ideas of some of the brightest minds in the New Zealand SAR scene and help pass that knowledge on continues to be an awesome experience. There are some memorable characters out there in the SAR world, giving a lot to their communities at grass roots level, and I look forward to working with more of them in the future. snippets Owner and head guide for Walking Places Instructor with SARINZ Based in the Central Plateau Holds a National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation Has worked as a Whitewater Rafting guide in NZ and overseas Has a wealth of knowledge about his local area and New Zealand in general. YEARBOOK PAGE 59

62 The Way Forward LandSAR s Business Plan Our Mission To provide search and rescue support for the lost, missing and injured. Our objectives 1. To provide effective and efficient land search and rescue services, expertise and resources when required to the Police, Rescue Coordination Centre of New Zealand and in turn all New Zealanders and international visitors. 2. To meet or exceed recognised standards of operational performance in land search and rescue. 3. To develop quality relationships with Central and Local Government and our key SAR and emergency sector partners. 4. To encourage, support and provide opportunities for the development of search and rescue techniques and knowledge. 5. To provide leadership and support to our volunteers, the SAR sector and emergency service partners. The focus of the LandSAR 2009 to 2014 Strategic Plan, our Business Plan and our work in the coming financial year should be on achieving these objectives. With that in mind our goals and key targets for are: S E A R C H & R E S C U E PAGE 60 NEW ZEALAND