Police responded to a search and rescue (SAR) call out on the Pisa Range on Saturday (October 26) following unseasonal snowfall.

“A party including an eight-year-old child were stuck in the Kirtle Burn Hut, Snow Farm,” Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts said.

“They had adequate clothing and remained in the hut overnight until they could be extracted by a three person snowmobile team.”

Fi said she was pleased to hear that New Zealand recorded its lowest Labour Weekend road toll in over 10 years, with no deaths over the holiday period. 

“This is something that we strive to achieve towards [the] ‘Road to Zero’ strategy,” she said.

Every officer in the area who was rostered to work was out and about engaging with drivers during Labour Weekend.

“Visibility was the focus and it was pleasing to see the results,” Fi said.

“Police congratulate drivers for stepping up and driving to the conditions when the weather event tracked through. Drivers slowed down, kept safe following distances.

“It really showed a great attitude to driving despite the snow and rain.”

Between 4.30 and 7.30pm on Friday (October 25) police, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Central Otago District Council set up a fatigue stop in Tarras to provide drivers coming into the area with refreshments - sausages and jelly beans.

One thousand and five vehicles were involved in the fatigue stop.

“The partnership with the local councils is great, we are all behind the ‘why’,” Fi said.

“Despite the great results, it is still concerning that we are seeing high speeds i.e 139/100; 130/100; 110/80. Police will continue to drive speed messages and enforcement and make no apologies for it.”

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Wānaka App