Wakatipu Search and Rescue Group based in Queenstown New Zealand constists of Bush/Alpine, ACR, SAR Dogs, Swift Water and Coast Guard units and operates in Mount Aspiring National Park.

SAROps (Live Operations) and SAREXs (Training Exercises) are managed using the CIMS (Co-Ordinated Incident Management Structure) model. This allows us to scale resources and management needs to best effect according to the size and complexity of each operation. A NZ Police officer assumes the Incident Controller position whereas a civilian LandSAR member is usually Operations Manager. The Management team thus comprises an Incident Controller, Ops Manager, and Intelligence, Communications and Administration personnel. Other specialists may be seconded dependant upon the circumstances that different operations may present.

Although a strong reliance is still placed upon traditional field skills and experience, we have embraced changing technologies to aid and assist team efforts in the field.