Friends of Land Search & Rescue

At Land Search and Rescue, we are not just about search and rescue on New Zealand’s highest peaks, we are Everywhere, for Everyone.

We are about bringing family home to loved ones – and that means attending to the needs of every Kiwi – from the explorers in our wilderness, to the wanderers in our neighbourhoods, to our family members in need of a little more support that go missing with cognitive impairment.

What does it mean to be a Friend of Land Search and Rescue?

By registering to become a Friend of Land Search and Rescue you will receive our quarterly update which enables you to:

Learn how you can stay safe in the outdoors
Enjoy regular prize draws and discounts from our supporters
Discover the impact that our volunteers have across the country
Gain behind-the-scenes insights
Help us celebrate those that support our cause
Be notified of upcoming events and initiatives

By connecting with us you will help us reach more people and create a safer community by spreading the word about our work. You will learn more about our life saving mission and how your support can make a tangible difference.

"Witnessing the dedication, courage, and compassion shown by the entire search and rescue team left us truly overwhelmed. Even though my loved one was not found, knowing that everything possible was done to try and bring him home gave us strength in one of the most difficult times of our lives. Your commitment brought us a sense of peace and hope when everything felt so uncertain. I can’t begin to express how much it meant to us to know that we weren’t alone—that you were out there doing everything in your power for someone you didn’t even know. Without you, we would have felt utterly lost and helpless ."

"I would like to say hi and thank you to the team that helped when my sister died at the Wairere Falls on 16 June. Your work was appreciated and it allowed for us to bring our family member home. Lyn and Kelby and family ."

"As someone who loves tramping, I know how quickly things can go wrong in the outdoors. Donating to Land Search and Rescue is my way of giving back and ensuring these amazing volunteers have the resources they need to help others. Their dedication is truly inspiring."

"I chose to donate because the volunteers at Land Search and Rescue are true heroes. They save lives and make our communities safer, often at great personal sacrifice. Supporting them is the least I can do to show my appreciation for their hard work."

"Having spent many hours in New Zealand’s backcountry, I’ve seen firsthand how vital Land Search and Rescue is. I donate regularly because I know every dollar helps these volunteers stay prepared and equipped to respond whenever they’re needed."

"My family member was rescued after getting lost on a tramp, and I can’t thank Land Search and Rescue enough. Donating is my way of showing gratitude and helping them continue their lifesaving work. Their commitment to helping others is remarkable."

Raising Awareness, Raising Funds

“Fundraising is part of who I am. Land Search and Rescue’s lifesaving work fits perfectly with the charities I’ve always supported. I’m out there walking fun runs, collecting on the street, or simply talking to people who ask about the ribbons or stickers I wear. You never know when something might go wrong out on a trail—or in life—and I want to help make sure Land Search and Rescue is always there when needed. Every donation helps save lives, and that’s why I do it.” Sarah Laurie

Donate now

Leaving a Legacy

3,000

trained volunteers

Up to $10,000

per volunteer training

68 local groups

throughout New Zealand

Recognise the impact of your support.

Land Search and Rescue volunteers are Everywhere for Everyone. Our team of 3,000 volunteers dedicate over 100,000 hours annually to providing crucial assistance to the lost, missing and injured throughout Aotearoa.

In the last year, our teams answered the call to help on 495 occasions. Our teams deployed to assist 600 people saving the lives of 41 and bringing a further 428 people back home to their families. Unfortunately, of the 428 people reunited with their loved ones, 41 tragically lost their lives.

A further 131 people were able to make their own way to safety after our volunteers had deployed to assist them.

GET INVOLVED

Help us shine a light on the work of our volunteers – become a fundraiser!

Join a community of everyday Kiwis raising funds for Land Search and Rescue. Whether you are about to take on a personal challenge, hold a car boot sale, a cake sale or are an organisation looking to donate to a good cause, our team are here to support you through your fundraising journey and can assist with resources and promotion.

Click on the button below to download our fundraising pack to support your own events that will help raise awareness and funds for Land Search and Rescue. Contact our team to add your event to our donations platform and let us handle the admin of it all!

Thinking of becoming a sponsor, or want to provide discounts to our volunteers – contact us here!

Note : When you click the button, a ZIP file full of everything you need will start to download. Check for any popup alerts or look in your downloads folder as it will download automatically.

Annual Report

Learn more about the amazing work of Land Search and Rescue volunteers by reading our Annual Report.