
Show Notes
Head to the hills, scour the bush, and dive deep into the caves with a series that takes you behind the scenes of the rescues in New Zealand’s unforgiving outdoors. Go out with the volunteers who put themselves on the line to rescue complete strangers. Host Paul Roy looks at the evolution of rescues from the do-it-yourself operations of the 1960s to today's highly managed efforts. They all have one thing in common – something went wrong and someone needed help. Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.
Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
More from Search & Rescue NZ
The public can often view rescuers as heroes who are just doing a job. But years of attending rescues, accidents, or the tragic retrieval of bodies, can have a devasting effect on both volunteers or emergency service workers. Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.
Experienced canyoners Dave Vass and Annette Phillips were out doing the ultimate outdoor activity when adventure turned into accident in a little explored canyon, leaving them with difficult decisions to make. Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.
The increase of social media has seen many walkers, often overseas visitors, attracted to places beyond their experience or ability. Mount Brewster in Mount Aspiring National Park now has up to ten rescues a year as hundreds flock there to take a selfie, but sometimes even this poses a risk. Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
After five days trapped in the "Middle Peak Hotel" crevasse on the summit ridge of Aoraki Mount Cook, climbers Phil Doole and Mark Inglis were in big trouble – both having frostbite to their feet. By day 15 fears were held for their lives, until a short break in the weather and the heroic efforts of pilot Ron Small and rescuer Don Bogie.
In November 1982, two climbers Phil Doole and Mark Inglis were trapped on the summit ridge of Aoraki Mount Cook at over 3000 metres. Taking shelter in a sparse crevasse near the summit, storms and high winds thwarted any rescue attempts when the pair were declared missing after five days. Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.