SAR volunteer receives top honour
Andy Brooke wears two hats in search and rescue, but it was his job as Palmerston North SAR volunteer co-ordinator, and his volunteers, who scooped the top honours of supreme winner at the Trustpower Community awards last week.
The other hat Andy wears is in the police search and rescue squad.
Andy says in the 2017-2018 year the SAR volunteers attended 29 search events and gave 1533 hours over 63 days. They also did about 700 hours training.
Trustpower community and communications Alice Boyd said the SAR group stood out to the judges for their 24/7 dedication to the community.
The area the SAR group covers is vast — Tararua, Horowhenua, up to Turakina, across to Mangaweka, the headlands of Cape Turnagain on the east coast, Mataikona in the Wairarapa and across to Pekapeka on the Ka¯ piti Coast.
Andy said there were memorable rescues, some tragic and some that had successful outcomes.
“Some people go out into the bush with a “she’ll be right” attitude. The weather changes quickly in New Zealand and a lot of people aren’t prepared for it.
“They fail to engage either before or during the trip.
“There’s plenty of information to plan your trip and what you might need.”
■ www.mountainsafety.org.nz/