Update for Dec 2023
30 December 2023
In the year to Dec 2023 Kuaotunu Land SAR undertook several SAROP's (search & rescue operations) including an overnight SAROP on the Moehau Ranges and assisting a neighbouring SAR group with KSAR volunteers and IMT for a multi day SAROP based at Whangamata, held x2 overnight training exercises at Kuaotunu and at Stoney Bay in northern Coromandel, held monthly training at its base in Whitianga and our members attended multiple 1-2 day district training courses. A major achievement, with thanks to our sponsors and donations we built an extension / carport at the front of our base providing shelter for our equipment and search teams during training and SAROP's.
A significant change in 2023 was the appointment of Dean Albiston to the position of Chair after the resignation of KSAR founding member Steve Hart , who had held the position of Chair for the past 19 years. Steve continues to manage SAROP's (Search Operations ) and provide training/ mentoring for the Incident Management Team.
In 2024 its our goal to purchase new x10 Garmin GPS sets to replace our older models and additional Tait VHF radios to replace older ICOM radios that are more than 15 years old. New equipment is also required to equip our experienced First Response field members living in the Rangihau Valley assisting them respond faster to nearby call outs in the valley (a historic trouble spot for call outs).