Specialist Teams
Land Search & Rescue has a variety of specialist roles which are open to volunteers.
Not every Land Search and Rescue group possesses all of these roles or capabilities.
Search Dogs
NZ LandSAR Search Dog Teams are an additional operational resource to assist in search and rescue operations. Search Dog Teams can be deployed nationally and need to be ready to deploy in all conditions and terrain. NZ LandSAR Search Dogs cover wilderness searching.
RiverSAR
Swift Water/River Search and Rescue
Water is very a dynamic environment to work in, and the operations that the RiverSAR teams get called out for are varied. Operations can be anything from a submerged car in a swollen river, regional flooding from a weather event, or helping a local LandSAR team sweep rivers and waterways for a missing person.
CanyonSAR
Canyon Search and Rescue
CanyonSAR members are specifically trained in canyon rescue. Our CanyonSAR teams are called upon not only for CanyonSAR operations but also to support Field Teams to search technical terrain where additional skillsets may be required to maintain safety.
CaveSAR
Cave Search and Rescue
CaveSAR volunteers are located throughout the country. They provide a 24 hour response capability for search and rescue operations in caves and subsurface environments. Volunteers with CaveSAR are highly experienced speleologists.
Alpine Cliff Rescue
Land Search and Rescue Alpine Cliff Rescue (ACR) teams provide search and rescue capabilities above the snow line, and in steep terrain. Made up from mountaineers and professional guides, they are highly skilled and experienced practitioners in these environments.