Couple lost in Kaimai Range now safe

A couple lost in the Kaimai Range are now safe after spending a wet night in the bush.

The couple reported themselves lost in the range yesterday afternoon.

A police statement read that the couple did all the right things in that they staye4d put and reported their predicament early.

They were now safely out of the bush.

The incident was one of a series which Waikato police and search and rescue volunteers were involved in over the weekend.

Yesterday, police and volunteers were called to the discovery of a body by professional canyoning staff in the Kaueranga Valley near Thames. The body has since been recovered.

Also yesterday a report of a surfer caught in a rip at Matarangi who was rescued by other surfers.

Early last night a 28-year-old woman was reported lost near Kennedy Bay.

The woman had intended to go on a short afternoon walk but had been by herself.
She was located safe and well. The last two incidents highlight the need to take navigational equipment, even on short trips.

This was weekend of severe weather including a severe weather warning for some areas.

Police encourage all people venturing out to be properly prepared, tell someone where they are going and to heed weather warnings in their areas.

Sergeant Ranger, Waikato Police SAR Co-ordinator, stated "It once again displays the value of our Landsar and Coastguard volunteers .

''These are people who give up their own time to go out and keep these people safe.''