Latest Winners
The NZSAR Council Awards programme was introduced in 1999 to acknowledge outstanding search and rescue work by individuals, groups and organisations in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region. The programme also serves to raise awareness of SAR efforts across the country.
2025 NZSAR Awards
The Awards were presented by the Hon James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport at a ceremony in Parliament on Wellington on 23 June.
An Operational Gold Award was presented for Operation Artigau, the 20-day search for Argentine tourist Hector Gaston Artigau who went missing from the Rob Roy track in Mt Aspiring National Park in February last year.
Gold Awards in the Support Category were presented to:
-
Keith Allen, for more than 40 years of service to search and rescue through the New Zealand Police and Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ)
-
Carolyn Tapley, for her contribution to Coastguard Canterbury and Coastguard Tautīaki Moana over the past 12 years.
The awards recognise the people and organisations who go above and beyond to keep others safe. In 2025, thanks to the efforts of the search and rescue sector, 169 lives were saved and 1,492 people were rescued or assisted.
Search and rescue in New Zealand continues to grow in scale and complexity. Operations require high levels of coordination, skill, and resilience – often in challenging conditions and under significant pressure. This work is made possible by dedicated professionals and volunteers who give their time and expertise in service of others.
“These Awards reflect not only excellence in individual and team achievement, but also the strength, collaboration and commitment that underpins search and rescue across New Zealand,” said NZSAR acting Chair Ruth Fairhall.
Certificates were also presented to our volunteer organisations – Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Coastguard Tautīaki Moana, Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC), New Zealand Land Search and Rescue and Fire and Emergency New Zealand – recognising their contribution as part of the United Nations International Volunteer Year (IVY2026).
Warmest congratulations to all our award recipients,and thank you to everyone who put forward nominations.
You can read about the Award winners in the 2025 NZSAR Awards booklet here.