Land Search & Rescue Southland

21/02/2026

Awesome work team! Like all influencers, it's only the glamorous shiny stuff that gets shown, not the hard slog in.

When out exploring this weekend, we encountered a good reminder about doing your research before heading out on a hike, and not just seeing a pretty pic online and under-estimating its challenges and over-estimating your abilities. We had an experienced prepared group heading into Lake Marian and even then, with the lack of adventures over the last few months my fitness level was pushed on the way up, with the Leave no Trace ethos a struggle to follow as I was pretty sure I was going to leave my lunch and a lung on the side of the track. We came across a group of tourists heading up to the lake at 6pm on our way back down, begging us for water and completely unprepared with some in skirts, cardies and ballet flats. They were still at least an hour away from making it to the lake and were going to be returning in the dark (without a torch) if they continued on. We strongly recommended they turn around and come back another day when they were prepared with appropriate clothing, water and supplies. We dont believe they followed our advice unfortunately.

Travel influencers will preferably post in a way that informs followers of the risks involved to gain the pretty pics however, the ultimate responsibility lies with each and every one of us to do our own research and be prepared, and not just gung ho throw ourselves into situations that are outside of our abilities.

Please - know before you go and if in doubt, pull out! There was good signage at the start of the track that is clearly just ignored by visitors chasing the ‘gram. Don’t be ‘that guy’ (or gal) 🥴🤦🏼‍♀️

As the sign says - Your Safety, Your Responsibility 🫵

16/02/2026

A couple of photos from the Southern Grilles & Gasoline Car and Bike show earlier in the month. Thanks heaps to everyone who turned up to support them (and us!)

Full credit for the photos goes to their official photographer, Passion Photography! Check out more pics of the event and some cool machines at https://www.passionphotography.co.nz/burgerfuel-southern-grilles-car-26

06/02/2026

If you're down at the BurgerFuel Southern Grilles & Gasoline Car and Bike show, call in and say gday. You won't miss us, you have to walk around us to get in!

30/11/2025

We had a great time at the Southland Santa Parade yesterday, and it was awesome to see lots of our volunteers there in various capacities! Some were manning road closures so the parade could go ahead, others were marching with the pipe band and other groups, one was having a lie down (in a stretcher...being wheeled by more awesome volunteers) and a few more were waving from the sides.

Thanks to everyone who turned up to watch and a special thanks to everyone who made it happen behind the scenes!

31/10/2025

We'd like to thank our awesome volunteers (and the equally awesome volunteers at Eastern Southland Search and Rescue) for their efforts, especially in these trying conditions. A lot of our team were dealing with their own challenges, such as cleaning up their properties, no power at home or on the farm, getting up in the middle of the night to milk cows (because that's when they could get the generator!) and staffing essential roles at Emergency Management Southland and other lifeline services, and they still stopped what they were doing and turned out to assist a lost person! We encourage everyone to be mindful of the extra challenges we face while assembling our teams while dealing with the fallout of the weather event and State of Emergency.

A solo day walk turned into a rescue mission when Southland was in a state of local emergency.

Southland Police are urging anyone heading into the bush to make sure they’re doing it safely after a day walker became lost attempting the Makarewa Falls Track on a stormy Labour Day.

Sergeant Alun Griffiths from Police Search and Rescue, Southland, says Police were alerted through the iPhone emergency satellite system shortly after 5pm on Monday.

“There was significant tree fall in the area, and she’d lost her way.

“With limited gear and no navigational aid, we told her to stay put.”

Snow was low on the bush line, and the ambient temperature was a mere two degrees, so Police responded swiftly with Land Search and Rescue teams from Gore and Invercargill.

“Thankfully we found her, but she was very cold,” he says.

She was given dry clothes and hot drinks then, once sufficiently warm, was assisted out to the carpark around 10pm.

"We’re lucky to have great access to stunning scenery in this part of the country,” Sergeant Griffiths says.

“But we recommend when people head into the bush, they do it safely.

“Assess the weather and conditions and take sufficient gear for your activity.

“Carry two forms of communication.

“Even experienced hikers can end up in situations where they need help."

If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting or climbing read up on the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code here: www.police.govt.nz/news/release/day-walk-turns-dangerous-prompting-reminder-prepare

01/10/2025

A huge thanks to Ironman 4x4 NZ for sorting us this awesome Raid canopy and roof rack and Southland 4x4 Centre for fitting it!! It was put to good use last night with the utes first major search.

We were hoping to post some nice photos of the ute with it all fitted up, but we thought these photos better represent who we are. (Don't worry, we'll still get those nice photos and post them!)

We got called out at about 11pm as someone had activated their PLB. The Maritime NZ Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) tasked a helicopter from Southern Lakes Helicopters to respond, but due to weather (snow flurrys and high winds), we were asked to be on standby in case the helicopter was unable to winch people.

Our trailer is having the finishing touches put on it so we loaded the ute with equipment and headed to the staging area. While enroute we were happy to learn that the helicopter had been successful in winching the person, who was hypothermic but otherwise uninjured.

Having a PLB definitely saved a VERY cold wet night, and possibly saved a life. They definitely help take the "Search" out of Search and Rescue, and we thoroughly recommend them!

A huge thanks to everyone involved.

21/09/2025

While not one of our members, Neville was a big part of Search and Rescue (and other community organisations!) in Southland in years gone by. Our thoughts are with his family.

We're saddened to share the news of Neville Checketts ZL4OX's passing. Neville left us yesterday at 11am at Southland Hospital, surrounded by the echoes of a remarkable life dedicated to amateur radio and community.

Neville's journey with Branch 37 began in 1957, back when he was still at intermediate school – what an early start to a lifelong passion! He was part of memorable moments like the annual SAREX at Mid Dome, operating CW on 3900KHz with an ARC-5 transmitter and a ZC1 on 5680KHz – showcasing his early skills in AREC. Neville played a pivotal role in nurturing newcomers: he helped start beginners' classes in 1969 at the clubrooms on Thursday nights, continued tutoring at Southland Polytechnic from 1981, and saw the circle complete when classes returned to the new clubrooms in 1991. His leadership was outstanding – Neville stepped into the role of AREC Section Leader in December 1973 following Alan Frame's (ZL4GA) passing, serving until 2012. He was instrumental in big projects like securing a new communications van (on the road by November 1974) and championing the club's new home – presenting a proposal in 1989, chairing the building committee, and celebrating the official opening on 27 July 1991. Radio classes there helped bring a steady stream of new members. Neville was deeply valued by the community: he was awarded Life Membership of the Southland Branch and served in various roles, including as a Councillor for NZART in 1976. His legacy is one of dedication, friendship, and growing the amateur radio spirit in Southland.

Our thoughts are with Neville's family and friends. He'll be remembered fondly by many for his contributions and warm involvement in the amateur radio community.

28/08/2025

We're not saying this Ironman 4x4 NZ gear is all for us, but you should definitely watch this space (& the Southland 4x4 Centre page!) over the next few days...

We’re excited to be fitting a couple of brand-new Ironman 4x4 products next week. Keep an eye on our socials to see what’s coming!

17/08/2025

Unfortunately, the gentleman we were looking for yesterday passed away in the early hours this morning. Our thoughts and sympathys are with him and his family at this time. We'd like to thank everyone who came forward with information and sightings, as they play a large part in our search planning.