New Zealand’s only fulltime alpine rescue team operates in some of the highest and most challenge environments possible. Video / George Heard
Aoraki/Mt Cook’s Search and Rescue team is not operational from today to September 20.
Police will coordinate rescue operations via other SAR teams and helicopter providers.
Recruitment for new DoC SAR staff begins in July.
New Zealand’s only full-time alpine search and rescue team will not be operational this winter.
The Department of Conservation (DoC) has confirmed the Aoraki/Mt Cook Search and Rescue (SAR) team will be suspended from today until September 20, after dropping to just one member following several staff departures.
However, DoCsays the move is not unusual for this time of year.
“We typically see staff members stay on the team for a few years, and the end of the summer season is a natural point to step away, so this is not unexpected. These are intense roles due to the nature of the work,” says Aoraki/Mt Cook operations manager Sally Jones.
The Department of Conservation's Aoraki Mountain Rescue team is one of the most advanced rescue teams in the country and conduct some of the most difficult rescues. Photo / George Heard
In the meantime, rescue operations in the Southern Alps will be co-ordinated by the police or the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, who may deploy nearby Alpine Cliff Rescue teams, LandSar volunteers, or helicopter crews out of Wānaka and Queenstown.
The team do not have enough permanent fulltime staff to operate safely this winter. Photo / George Heard
Jones said the team cannot respond to incidents until they are safely staffed.
“The safety of the team is always the top priority,” she said.
DoC says March to September is typically a quieter period for alpine incidents, and the end of the summer season is a common time for team members to move on or take leave.
“We would normally have four staff on the SAR team at this time of year – though in the past staff have enjoyed some well-earned leave during the quiet time so generally there are less than four available,“ Jones said.
“Currently we have one member on the team, with two others confirmed but yet to start.
“In previous winters, the SAR team has dropped to around four staff because of leave.”
The Department of Conservation is recruiting for new roles. Photo / George Heard
The team normally expands to seven staff from October to March, aligning with a memorandum of understanding with the New Zealand Police for the peak season.
There are plans to have a refreshed team in place by late September. Photo / George Heard
With the Mt Cook SAR team unavailable until at least September 20, DoC says emergency coverage for the region will rely on “highly skilled and capable” alpine teams in Wānaka and Queenstown, as well as experienced helicopter operators in the region.
“The police or Rescue Co-ordination Centre will determine the best responders for any incidents,” Jones said.
DoC was confident public safety will not be compromised.
“No, we are not concerned,” Jones said. “This is a quieter time of year and there are skilled rescue teams in the area.
“We encourage anyone going into alpine environments to choose a trip that matches their skills and experience, take all the equipment they need, and check the weather and avalanche forecast before heading out.
“If in any doubt, postpone the trip – the mountains will still be there.”
DoC expects to advertise new roles next month and is encouraging suitably experienced people to apply.
The new team will undergo induction and training with the goal of being operational by late September.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest and experience in alpine rescues to increase their skills and capabilities.”
DoC has consulted with police and said it has contacted “relevant stakeholders” in the mountaineering and backcountry community.
