Steady rescue workload for Wanaka LandSAR volunteers in 2017Roy Bailey/supplied Luke Faed of Wanaka LandSAR's river rescue team takes part in a training exercise in the Motatapu GorgeWanaka's Land search and rescue volunteers have had a "reasonably steady" year in 2017, dealing with about 50 operations. Wanaka LandSAR spokesman Phil Melchior said statistics were on par with other years, with the group typically attending between 45 and 55 emergencies. MARJORIE COOK Bags packed and ready to go at the Wanaka LandSAR building. Wanaka LandSAR presently has about 50 volunteers and is not struggling for recruits. The bulk of Wanaka LandSAR operations happen in remote areas and up to 95 per cent of the group's operations involve helicopters.

Source: Stuff December 21, 2017 02:15 UTC