The new chair of Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) says the outgoing chair has left the organisation well prepared for the future.

Raewyn Calhaem has stepped into the chair role this week, replacing Bill Day, who spent around five years as chair, first until the end of 2022, and more recently coming back at short notice after his successor Aaron Nicholson had to leave due to illness.

“Bill was a visionary, an ideas man and a safe pair of hands,” Raewyn told the Wānaka App.

“He has left the group in an exceptional position.”

Raewyn said she was also happy to report that Aaron was now back on board, serving as the incident management team coordinator on the SAR committee. 

Wānaka SAR members, pictured during a training exercise, are “exceptionally skilled”, Raewyn said. PHOTO: Geoff Marks

Wānaka SAR is one of the busiest SARs in the country and it is entirely volunteer-run.

Its specialist teams - comprising bush, river, marine and alpine - undertake search and rescue operations in Mt Aspiring National Park and the Wānaka Lakes area.

There are approximately 90 Wānaka SAR members and 70 active members at any given time.

Raewyn has five years experience on the Wānaka SAR committee and she said the members were “exceptionally skilled” at what they do.

In the past 12 months search and rescue call-out numbers reached pre-Covid levels again for the first time, she said.

Wānaka SAR members’ efforts were highlighted at the annual AGM and awards event on Tuesday night (July 9).

Raewyn said SAR members are recognised with awards in five year increments and on Tuesday “there were a number of people who received awards for 20 years of service”.

“That shows what a great group it is and how good the culture is.” 

She also thanked Wānaka Police for the “fantastic teamwork” between the two.

Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts attended the AGM, which celebrated the “great work” Wānaka SAR does in the community.

“To all the members who received certificates last night, a big thank you from Police for your efforts and contributions spanning many years,” she said.

Fi gave a special mention to Wānaka Police Senior Constable Phil Vink, who was presented with a 10-year appreciation certificate for his services to Wānaka SAR.

She also thanked both Bill and Raewyn.

“Thank you Bill for all that you do. You are an infectiously positive man who is so well thought of by the group,” she said. 

“We are very much looking forward to working with the new chair Raewyn Calhaem and continuing our great relationship.”

Learn more about Wānaka SAR here.

PHOTOS: Supplied