Since 1935 land search and rescue [SAR] in New Zealand has been undertaken as a partnership between the Police and trained volunteers. These people come from tramping, mountain or deerstalkers clubs, or individuals with a desire to provide aid to those in need in the outdoors. In 1994 NZLSAR was formed to enhance the relationship between the Police with its responsibility for SAR, and the volunteers.

Currently there are over 56 dedicated SAR groups across the country.

Who are we?

Auckland Land Search and Rescue [AKLSAR] is a professional unpaid volunteer based organisation that provides a land search and rescue capability for the wider Auckland area, which stretches from Wellsford in the north to Pokeno in the south. AKLSAR is a member of the national organisation, New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Inc. [NZLSAR].

Auckland LandSAR works in conjunction with the Auckland Police SAR Squad to provide personnel and resources when people are lost or injured in the bush or hills in the greater Auckland area as well as within Auckland City itself. We provide a complete LandSAR service from search parties with SAR specialist skills in the field to Field Headquarters staff for running the search.

Team members are recruited from tramping clubs, outdoor organisations and other rescue organisations. Members are expected to come to the group with basic bushcraft skills. Once accepted into Auckland LandSAR, new members are trained in SAR specific skills such as modern search techniques. This, together with regular revision and practice, has ensured that effective trained people who have a strong commitment to LandSAR are put into the field on a LandSAR operation.

"To provide an effective and efficient land search and rescue capability throughout New Zealand"

Auckland LandSAR works in conjunction with the Auckland Police SAR Squad to provide personnel and resources when people are lost or injured in the bush or hills in the greater Auckland area as well as within Auckland City itself. We provide a complete LandSAR service from search parties with SAR specialist skills in the field to Field Headquarters staff for running the search.