Last month Police led a successful search and rescue operation for 38 people on Waikaia Bush Road near Roxburgh, who became stranded in heavy snow during a 4WD excursion. The group were bought back to Roxburgh safe and well almost 26 hours after Police were notified.
Inspector Olaf Jensen, Otago Lakes Area Commander, says volunteers make an invaluable contribution to search and rescue (SAR) operations.
“I would especially like to thank the dedicated and hardworking volunteers, as well as the Police staff and many others who assisted with this large and challenging SAR operation,” he says.
“The NZ Defence Force NH90 helicopter also assisted which we were very grateful for.”
Police have a statutory obligation to provide SAR services as part of their normal business, and are funded to do so.
“Police’s prime objective in any SAR operation is always the welfare and safe recovery of those who are missing, along with ensuring the safety of all of those involved in the search,” says Mr Jensen. “Cost is never a factor over the safety and welfare of those needing assistance when determining the appropriate course of action or which resources to use.”
In response to significant media interest, Police has released costs related to the Waikaia Bush Road operation, which have been calculated at $56,927.53. This includes staff wages, costs of hiring equipment and vehicles and the local rescue helicopter.
“While there is normally some monetary cost associated with a SAR operation, this is factored into and funded from within normal Police operating budgets, so there is never any financial ‘charge’ imposed on anyone who is in distress and who needs our help,” Mr Jensen says. “I’m sure that if any of us were in trouble in the bush, on the water or in the air and needing rescue, we would be very grateful that cost does not factor into operational decision-making.”
At a national level, the cost of Police SAR operations has remained consistent over the last five years (2010/11 to 2014/15), averaging out at $2,945,338.71 per year.
Police data does not indicate any significant increasing trend in the number of SAR incidents.
ENDS
Media please note - a full breakdown of costs is available on request. Please email leigh.coleman@police.govt.nz.
Issued by Police Media Centre