2014 New Zealand Search and Rescue Council Awards announced

Surf Life Saving members were honoured last night at the prestigious 2014 New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Council Awards.

These awards are presented annually in recognition of outstanding achievements in Search and Rescue nationwide.

The NZSAR Gold Award for Operational Activity is awarded for a very significant contribution to search and rescue in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region during 2014.

This was awarded to Tai Kahn from Surf Life Saving Northern Region along with Peter Baltus, Lincoln Baltus, Mark Goodhew and Tane Moore from Muriwai Lifeguard Service for the rescue of a surfer from the gannet colony cliffs at Muriwai Beach on 29 September 2014.

They were presented the award by Surf Life Saving New Zealand patron, the Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service was also honoured, receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Operational Activity for their efforts alongside Omanu and Papamoa members during the search for Jack Dixon in October 2014.

The NZSAR Certificates of Achievement for Operational Activity are awarded for an important contribution to search and rescue in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region, during 2014.

Other recipients included:

Coastguard Houhora
Northland Coastguard Air Patrol
For the rescue of three fishermen in Rangaunu Harbour on 27 December 2014

HMNZS Otago
For the rescue of the crew from the yacht Django on 8 July 2014

Sergeant Peter Muldrew, Oamaru Police and Robert Borst
For the rescue of a trapped motorist from Fuchsia Creek on 18 April 2014

Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue
For the rescue of climbers from the Quarter Deck, Mt Aspiring, on 10 September 2014

The NZSAR Gold Award for Support Activity is awarded for a very significant contribution to search and rescue in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region over an extended period. This was awarded to Antony Groome from LandSAR Palmerston North for his services to search and rescue in New Zealand.

The NZSAR Certificates of Achievement for Support Activity are awarded for an important contribution to search and rescue in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region, either during 2014 or over an extended period. These were awarded to

Brian Boyle, Coromandel Peninsula LandSAR
For his services to land search and rescue

Senior Constable Peter Comer, Police Maritime Unit, Auckland
For technical innovation in marine search and rescue

Geoff Wilkie, Coastguard Northern Region Communications
For his services to marine search and rescue

Rowan Leck, Dunedin Marine SAR
For his services to marine search and rescue

Heather McDonald, Sumner Lifeboat
For her services to marine search and rescue

This NZSAR Certificate of Achievement - Special Award - is awarded for an important contribution to international search and rescue during 2014. This was awarded to 5 Squadron, RNZAF for their efforts during the search for MH370, March-April 2014

Congratulations to all the recipients.

For more information please contact: 

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz