Search and Rescue Nelson

The search for 80-year-old Natalie in Golden Bay is entering a limited search phase today.

Natalie was reported missing from Pōhara earlier this week and Police have conducted extensive searches in the area, however, we have sadly not yet located Natalie.

Senior Constable Jonathan Fris says while Police are entering a limited search phase, Police will continue to make enquiries to locate Natalie.

"We will continue to follow-up on any new information provided by the public, and thank those within the Golden Bay community who have assisted and supported us in our search.

"Police continue to encourage residents to remain vigilant and to keep an eye out for any items or indications that Natalie has been in the area, especially on your property or in areas along the coastline."

Any indications that Natalie has been in the area, or any sightings of Natalie, should be reported immediately by calling 111 and referencing file number 260707/5962.

Have you seen Natalie?

The 80-year-old has been reported missing from her residence in Pohara, Golden Bay this morning.

She left home on foot about 8:30am, and there are concerns for her welfare, particularly given the wet and windy weather conditions.

Natalie was last seen wearing a woollen hooded jersey and black sneakers.

If you see Natalie, or have urgent information for Police, please call 111 and reference event number P066917433.

Safe and sound after a weekend in the Richmond Ranges. 🏔️🌧️

This past week, a group of four young trampers found themselves stuck at Mid Wairoa Hut due to rapidly rising, flooded rivers. They made the excellent decision not to cross the flooded stream and instead stayed put and activated their PLB.

Because of severe weather, rescue efforts were delayed overnight, but a joint effort between Nelson Police, RCCNZ, Land Search and Rescue ground teams, and Heli Charter Nelson successfully brought them home by Tuesday lunchtime.

This incident shows exactly how unpredictable the backcountry can be. If you're heading out:
1️⃣ Check the weather (and stay home if it's bad!).
2️⃣ Pack a PLB and an alternative satellite communication tool if possible.
3️⃣ Carry extra food and clothing in case you get delayed overnight.

Huge thanks to all the volunteers and crew involved in getting this group home safe to their families!

Full details below 👇👇👍

Mr Ian Watts, of Nelson, KSM for services to Land Search and Rescue

Mr Ian Watts joined the Nelson Tasman Land Search and Rescue as a volunteer in 1975, later serving as Chair. He was a founding member of the Nelson Tasman New Zealand Emergency Response Team. He led his team’s response to the Kaikōura earthquakes, the Pigeon Valley fire, Cyclones Fehi and Gita, and the COVID-19 lockdowns. He liaises with New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John personnel and local councils. Mr Watts has led the Response Team in setting up a new base, overhauling its vehicle fleet, initiating a gear inventory system and achieving national accreditation.

🚨 Heads up – SAR training tonight 🚨
Kia ora team 👋
Search and Rescue Nelson will be out training in the Tantragee Saddle / Coppermine (above the Brook) area from 6–9pm tonight.
You might notice:
🔦 Bright lights
🔊 Whistles
👣 Teams moving through the area
All good – it’s just training 👍
We’ll be sticking to walking tracks and uphill/dual-use trails (not downhill MTB tracks).
If you’re out walking or riding, please be aware and give our crews a bit of space if you come across us.
Thanks heaps for your support 🙌

Heads up, Whakatū! 👋
Search and Rescue Nelson will be out at Fairfield Park this evening running a training exercise.
Teams will be practicing assessing a lost party, keeping them warm, building shelter, and communicating with IMT.

All is well — this is training only.

⛰️ River Flood Safety Training – St Arnaud 🌊

Our team had an awesome River Flood Safety course last Saturday in St Arnaud! With tutors Chris Whitehouse and Neal McAloon, we got stuck into a strong outflow from Lake Rotoiti to practice:
✔️ Solo river crossings
✔️ Team crossings
✔️ Throw bag techniques
✔️ And yes… plenty of controlled swims after pushing skills right to the point of failure!

The course brought together dedicated SAR team members from Nelson, Golden Bay, and Motueka — fantastic collaboration and commitment all round.

Great learning, great conditions, and great people. 🧡

Acknowledgement N. McAloon for the photography.📷

We are delighted to learn that Graham has been located safely, and send our well wishes to Graham and his whānau as they reunite and focus on recovery.

Graham Garnett, 66, has been found sheltering in a hut in Kahurangi National Park, alive.

Graham went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area and did not return as expected on 30 December.

An operation got underway involving Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) groups and specialist teams, New Zealand Defence Force, Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand and many volunteers and supporters.

On Thursday 15 January, the search team made the difficult decision to call off the search but remained ready to respond if new information came to light.

Today at about 2.30pm Graham was discovered in Venus Hut by contractors who were working in the area.

Graham has been transported to Nelson Hospital where he has been reunited with his family.

This is an amazing result. We are so pleased for Graham and his loved ones.

Obviously he has been through quite an ordeal and everyone involved in the search is delighted to hear that Graham has been found alive.

Graham's family request privacy at this time.