Otaki TodayThe recent rescue of a man and his dog at Ōtaki Forks has again highlighted the important work of the local search and rescue organisation.
Horowhenua Land Search and Rescue (Landsar) includes many Ōtaki-based volunteers. They are regularly called out to look for people in some of New Zealand’s most treacherous terrain.
But the organisation needs a building to call their own – not only one where they can meet, train and store gear, but also serve as a base from which to conduct search operations. So it’s seeking funds through donations and grants.
A site has been secured after the Horowhenua AP&I Associaton granted a long-term lease on a block at the Levin Showgrounds. The showgrounds are often used for landing helicopters during search operatons and training exercises.
Project coordinator and Landsar volunteer Chris Maher says $800,000 will be needed for a new building.
“This is an opportunity for community-minded individuals, businesses or groups to get behind a very important local organisation that provides a vital service,” Chris says. “It’s not only vital for our keen outdoor enthusiasts, but also some of our more vulnerable folk.”
From left, Denis Mark, Frits van Geldorp (both of Levin) and Ōtaki’s Rob Bigwood at Arete Hut on a search for a missing tramper.
Photo Chris Maher
A big part of Landsar’s work is to locate mainly elderly people with dementia who have wandered from their home or retirement facility. “Wandersearch” operations are generally in urban areas. Under the programme, at-risk people are issued with pendants they wear at all times.
“If they wander off, we find them using a locator that homes in on the pendant,” Chris says. “We can then return them safely to their carers and loved ones.”
Horowhenua Search and Rescue has about 60 civilian volunteers, who cover the western side of the Tararua Range from Ōtaki to Shannon and to the coast. It often assists Palmerston North, Wellington and Wairarapa search and rescue groups with operations in their areas, including the Ruahine, Eastern Tararua and Orongaronga ranges.
The local group started in the mid 1950s and has since been providing vital assistance to the police to help people lost, missing and injured. It’s affiliated to NZ Landsar, which has an agreement with the police to provide search and rescue personnel and expertise.
During the past six years, Horowhenua Search and Rescue has conducted 65 search operations comprising 3180 volunteer hours. Four lives would have been lost if not for their efforts. The group typically spends up to 1500 volunteer hours a year in training.
However, the work has been done without the group having a base of their own. For the past 40 years, the group has met, had their gear stored at, and conducted search operations from the Levin police station.
To donate, see horowhenualandsar.org.nz.
For large donations, call 027 492 1072
or email chris.maher@horowhenualandsar.org.nz
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