A workshop for alpine rescue practitioners attracted around 160 people to Aspiring Helicopters at the base of Treble Cone ski field yesterday (Tuesday June 11).

Organiser Dave Lewis said it was an opportune time to host the workshop before the Southern Hemisphere Alpine Conference (SHAC) which is being held in Wānaka today and tomorrow (June 12-13). 

“The purpose of the day is trying to get everyone in the same room together,” Dave said. 

“There's a multitude of agencies from the tasking authorities, people like the police, the Rescue Coordination Center who provide us the work, right through to all the volunteer teams.”

Workshop organiser Dave Lewis

The workshop included displays and demonstrations of the latest rescue equipment along with an aerial rescue demonstration using a helicopter.

“We've just tried to really step it up this year and showcase some new ideas, some new equipment,” Dave said.

“It's nice to see a big wide range of people here.”

Dave said search and rescue work involves a lot of collaboration and coordination and the workshop provided a networking place where people can “put faces to names”.

Inside one of the Southland Otago Rescue Helicopters on display.

The SHAC will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre, with more than a dozen speakers taking the stage, plus workshops, a film and panel discussion, and more.

Read more:

• Conference aims to share alpine skills
• The Outlet: Ken Wylie's harrowing avalanche experience

PHOTOS: Wānaka App