Land Search and Rescue Wellington

24/07/2026

Frank, Watties and Clinton have stood down from our committee after 6, 5 and 3 year long stints respectively.

At our recent training night they were presented with the “chair of rest”, an ultralight camping chair that acknowledges the rest they deserve after putting in some hard yards on the committee.

Thanks team!

14/07/2026

We’re proud of our member Hannah who has completed the LeadSAR Leadership Programme, a significant 12 month commitment that has seen her work on her personal leadership skills and understanding of Land Search and Rescue governance.

Hannah has now joined our Wellington Land Search and Rescue group committee, and we’re grateful for the skills and knowledge she’ll bring.

Photo of Hannah, second from right, at the graduation ceremony with facilitator Kayleigh Woodings, LandSAR NZ CEO Wendy Wright, and programme sponsor Glenn Campbell from Mountain Adventure.

03/07/2026

Our recent AGM saw our 2026-2027 committee get voted in, with Claire, Katherine, Steve, Gaby, Maz, Andy and Hannah taking on roles for the next year.

Thanks to our outgoing committee members Clinton, Cameron, Frank and Watties for the work they've put in over the years.

30/06/2026

We’re really proud of our member Emily, who was recognised with a Certificate of Achievement for Operational Activity at the recent 2025 NZ Search and Rescue Awards.

Emily was in the Darran Mountains on a personal climbing trip with another Wellingtonian, Mathew. They activated their PLB after becoming concerned about another climbing party they had encountered, who became overdue. They were able to provide detailed information about the climbers, assisting the search and recovery operation. We appreciate your care for others in the mountains Emily, and your efforts to provide assistance.

While the outcome wasn’t what anyone would have hoped for, we’re grateful the climbers were returned to their loved ones.

26/06/2026

Wellington Land Search and Rescue also celebrated some of our members achieving Service and Long Service Awards at our recent AGM.

Here’s Jeremy receiving a Long Service Award from chair Clinton for his 25 years of service to Land Search and Rescue, across three different Groups.

Dan and Wynne received Service Awards for their 10 years of service, and Ally, Clare O, Clinton, Ian, Mel, Regine and Val received 5 year Service Awards.

25/06/2026

Congratulations to Pete Gent, the recipient of our 2026 Magesh Memorial award!

This award came about after the tragic loss of field team member Magesh Jagadeesan in September 2018 on Mt Ruapehu, and with the ongoing support of Magesh’s brother Satish, recognises an outstanding member each year.

In the past year, Pete stepped back into the Secretary role when we were in need. This was a very selfless action reminiscent of Magesh, as he'd signaled his desire to take a break from committee for some time. He also continued as a defacto IT guru throughout the year, keeping our IT systems running and administered. His departure from the Group as he moves overseas will leave a huge hole on both fronts.

Over the past year he's also logged 115 hours, although we know the true count will be much higher. 49 hours was dedicated to SAROPs, with huge hours logged on one particular operation over 5 shifts.

Pete joined the group 10 years ago. In that time, he's officially logged 1546 hours. This includes 37 search operations, 138 hours of group training, at least 11 national courses, and a whopping 136 hours of committee meetings.

He's been a backbone of Land Search and Rescue Wellington for a long time, working behind the scenes, without fuss, to keep our wheels turning, and this plus his efforts in the past 12 months make him an excellent recipient of the award.

29/03/2026

We're taking applications for a new intake of Field and IMT members! For more information and to submit your application, visit our website. Applications close on Friday 3rd April, 2026.

https://landsarwellington.org.nz/join-us/

19/03/2026

The team was out practicing our river crossing tonight on Te Awa Kairangi. Thanks Hutt Valley Canoe Club for allowing us to use your Clubrooms!

23/12/2025

Some of our members were out overnight rescuing three men who attempted to float down the Hutt Gorge. Thank you Wellington rafting for the ride out today!

A shout out too to the Police involved, the Land Search and Rescue members and AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications volunteers who helped coordinate and communicate behind the scenes, and to the employers, whanau, friends and flatmates who support us to do what we do.

A sliver of cell phone reception led to the rescue of three young men, after they endured a cold and wet night stranded in a gorge.

Wellington District Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Jonathan Westrupp says the trio intended to float down the Hutt River in the Kaitoke Regional Park, but their planning was flawed.

“They set off late in the day on Monday to traverse the river on inner tubes but were wearing only light clothing and soon found themselves in a dangerous situation with darkness descending and impassible cliffs on both sides of the river.

“They happened to be able to get a glimmer of cell phone reception and called for assistance about 7.30pm.”

Sergeant Westrupp says Police coordinated a search and rescue operation to rescue them as the weather worsened.

“A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter was sent, but it couldn’t get to them due to low cloud and rain setting in.

“Land Search and Rescue and Police reached the three men about three in the morning and provided them with shelter, clothing and food. At first light, with the aid of Wellington Rafting, we were able to get them out of there.”

Sergeant Westrupp says the men were grateful to see rescuers, but it was an uncomfortably close call.

“They were on the verge of not being able to contact anyone. If they hadn’t managed to find a scrap of cell phone coverage in the gorge it could have been a very different Christmas for them and their families.”

“If you’re going out on an excursion in the bush, or adventuring on rivers like these guys, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. PLBs are cheap to hire, and they’re capable of saving your life, even when there’s no cell phone reception.”