Search and Rescue organisations, pictured here in 2018 looking for someone along the Rangitīkei River, want council rates to help fund equipment. Land Search and Rescue groups [LandSAR] and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand both made the request of Horizons Regional Council, which is in the process of forming a long-term plan. They want a contestable emergency services fund established, which groups like LandSAR could apply to for funding. Waikato Regional Council has a similar fund, while Taranaki Regional Council was exploring doing the same. Making the fund contestable meant groups like Surf Lifesaving could also get funding, Zimmer said.

Source: Stuff May 16, 2021 01:41 UTC