Multi-agency effort brings family to safety after challenging Kaweka rescue

Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) received an emergency alert shortly after 5pm. The mother had suffered an injury that left her unable to walk, but her satellite communication device allowed responders to confirm the group’s location and communicate directly with her.

Justin Allan, General Manager RCCNZ and Safety Systems, says information from the device and the family’s emergency contacts helped the team understand the planned walk, who was in the group and what support was needed.

“It meant we could keep the injured person updated on the rescue and explain the steps being taken to get the family to safety,” Justin says.

Poor weather and low cloud prevented rescue helicopters from safely reaching the group. Working with Police, RCCNZ supported the decision to send Hawke’s Bay Land Search and Rescue volunteers and Police Search and Rescue staff in on foot.

The first responders reached the family shortly before midnight. The children were moved to Te Puia Lodge, before the injured mother was carried by stretcher through challenging terrain, arriving at the hut a few hours later.

“This was a demanding, long-duration response. The volunteers and Police staff did a great job caring for the family through the night, while our team continued planning to get them out safely,” Justin Allan says.

When the weather improved on Monday afternoon, the Taupō rescue helicopter reached the hut and flew the mother and children to Taupō Hospital. A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter then recovered the rescue teams.

He says the outcome showed the value of carrying a distress beacon or satellite communication device, even on a short, planned trip.

“Things can go wrong quickly outdoors. Having a reliable way to call for help and show responders where you are can make a major difference.”

RCCNZ thanks Hawke’s Bay Police, Land Search and Rescue, the Taupō and Hastings rescue helicopter teams, and the New Zealand Defence Force for their contribution to the successful response.

“I also want to commend the work of the on-shift search and rescue officers who needed to take a flexible approach to a changing situation in order to get the family home safely. It showed the skill and focus of our people, and their commitment to getting those in need out of the bush and to safety,” Justin Allan says.