Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) has been awarded LandSAR New Zealand’s Takina Mai award for innovation.

The award recognises the series of training videos produced by Wānaka SAR’s sub-alpine team, which cover locator beacon response, radio communication, use of ‘grab bags’ for urgent response, medical kit and drug use, and helicopter safety.

“Over the past year Wānaka SAR has demonstrated exactly what ‘Takina Mai’ represents - drawing others forward through shared learning,” LandSAR NZ said in the award presentation.

“These resources are not just helpful – they are smart, accessible, and forward-thinking.”

LandSAR NZ said the “structured, high-quality training videos” strengthen organised group training, ensuring consistency, clarity, and operational readiness.

“In an environment where volunteers balance work, family, and service, Wānaka SAR has recognised the importance of flexible, modern training solutions – and delivered them.”

Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem said the group was “honoured and delighted” with the award.

“As the busiest ‘back-country’ all-volunteer SAR group in New Zealand, we are constantly seeking ways of advancing our already very high level of skills and we’re thrilled to get this recognition from the national body,” Raewyn said.

“Our volunteers are constantly striving to ensure they are 'mission-ready' at all times and invest hours in training and mission preparation. 

“The outcome is a highly-trained volunteer team who perform search and rescue missions at a professional level”.

Wānaka SAR consists of specialist incident management, alpine, sub-alpine, canyon/swift-water, drone and search dog teams. 

It regularly responds to over 30 emergency call-outs a year on behalf of NZ Police and the Rescue Coordination Centre.

Last year its operations covered nearly every form of outdoor pursuit, from mountaineering to paragliding, canyoning to wind surfing - all over the Mt Aspiring National Park and from the Wānaka Lakes area to South Westland.

Read more: Busy year for ‘world class’ Wānaka SAR

PHOTO: Geoff Marks