Whakatāne Land Search and Rescue

18/08/2026

Vote for us at Z Whakatāne and help us get a share of Z's $1 million for Kiwi community groups!

All of us here at Land Search and Rescue Whakatāne thank you in advance.

23/06/2026

A Successful SAR Exercise has strengthened Skills, Competencies and Partnerships

Whakatāne Land Search and Rescue volunteers joined forces with Eastern Bay Surf Life Saving and Local Police for a successful Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) in the Ōpōtiki area.

The exercise provided a valuable opportunity for agencies to work together in a realistic operational environment, developing skills, testing procedures, and strengthening the relationships that are so important during real search and rescue incidents.

For Land Search and Rescue volunteers, exercises such as this are also an important part of gaining and maintaining operational competencies. As volunteers, LandSAR members undertake ongoing training and assessment to ensure they remain ready to respond safely and effectively when called upon.

A special thank you to Steve from Motu Helicopters, Luke from Bay of Plenty Helicopters, and Mark from Motu Jet boats for their generous support and expertise throughout the exercise. Their involvement allowed participants to experience a range of search and rescue capabilities across air, land, and river environments.

The exercise gave Incident Management Team members and Field personnel valuable insights into the local terrain and operational challenges, while also providing hands-on learning opportunities for all involved. Training alongside partner agencies helps build confidence, improve communication, and ensures a coordinated response when our community needs us.

Most importantly, the day highlighted the strength of collaboration between Land Search and Rescue, New Zealand Police, and Eastern Bay Surf Life Saving. These relationships play a critical role in delivering effective search and rescue operations.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time to attend and contribute. Also to their families who support our volunteers

Land Search & Rescue New Zealand, Motu Helicopters Contract Pilot Service, Motu River Jet Tours, Opotiki Surf Lifesaving Club, Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club, Bay of Plenty Helicopters, Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

07/03/2026

16/11/2025

Thanks to the Toi's challenge committee for inviting "Whakatane Land Search and Rescue" to be a part of this great event.
This was a great opportunity to use our radio skills and work as a team. It was also humbling to see so many keen people out and about participating in a community event.
We noticed so many special moments from family encouraging others to keep going, to a couple that were "young" veterans ;-) at this event, the wife (who was not in great health) was going to each stop and bringing supplies to rehydrate and sponge himself down, she told us this will be his last year. I take my hat off to his great commitment and drive to run in this event. Our final task for the event was to walk with a beautiful wahine out who's birthday was today she was determined to finish the race, she did! And has night shift tonight. Good on her. (We will keep her age a secret)
On a side note it was lovely to here all of the thanks to our team from the participants, the recognition that these events need volunteers :-)
Lyndal

04/05/2025

22/04/2025

Police are urging the public to prepare for the worst before heading outdoors this long holiday period following two land rescues in the Kaimai Ranges.

The first call for help came around 3.30pm on Friday 18 April, when Police were notified of two people having not returned from their hike.

The pair were located at around 7pm near a river that had flooded and blocked their exit.

Police kept in contact with the pair overnight before Search and Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams assisted them in getting back home safe the next day.

On Monday 21 April at around 6.45pm, Police were called to an area near Rataroa Stream where a hiker got stuck while walking a four hour hike. The person was located around two hours later.

Although we are pleased to have provided a swift response in both these incidents and help the three people return home safe, these incidents are a reminder to the public to prepare for any situation that may arise.

New Zealand's environment and weather can be unpredictable, and with the recent wet weather, our rivers and streams are flooded, fast flowing, and high. It will take a few days for the rivers to return back to normal levels once the rain has completely stopped.

Your safety is your responsibility in the outdoors, by preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can enjoy your trip knowing you will be okay if anything goes wrong.

Even the most experienced people can get caught up in situations where they need assistance, and any day trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation.

If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code,

1. 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone's fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.

2. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors.

3. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱. Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, need preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable.

4. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽. Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned - but sometimes they don't. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help?

5. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. East, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.

Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.

If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at www.beacons.org.nz

08/04/2025

On Sunday 6th April Whakatane Landsar, Whakatane Coastguard, New Zealand Police (Whakatane) and AREC worked together on a Sarex excerise.
This was a great opportunity for all of our organisations to work together, help each other out and build stronger relationships.
Our missing, injured person was on Moutohorā Island (Whale Island), for the search teams the conditions were beautiful and glassy and was no trouble blasting there and back on the Coastguard and Harboumaster boats.
Some images of the day, some snap videos next.
We want to thank Department of Conservation and Ngāti Awa for letting this exercise happen.

10/03/2025

Here is our chairman Darryl Howard with some important tips for when you are heading out this Roar.