Ohakune-based search team?

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 29, 10 December 1985, Page 1

Ohakune-based search team?

The search for the Raetihi boy, John Brough, lost on Mt Ruapehu last week brought an overwhelming number of offers of help from local people, said Lisle Irwin, senior national park ranger at Ohakune, and field service controller and search advisor. Mr Irwin said that some people who knew the search area well were upset that they had not been asked to take part. "All we can say to those people is that we're sorry that they were not asked in, but if they all went racing off into the hills, even experienced people could have difficulties. "By keeping it organised it was more efficient and we knew exactly which areas had been searched," he said. Ian Thurston, search advisor from Taihape, said that it was possible that in future a local search and rescue team may be trained for this area. "We have names and phone numbers of many of those who offered help, and some of those who did help, and we may contact them at

a later stage to train for search and rescue," he said. Both ranger Lisle Irwin and Ohakune Police Sergeant Neil Coker believe a local search and rescue team would be a good idea. Search and rescue groups, trained in first aid, radio communication and search and rescue techniques, are available on a callup list and Mr Irwin said when he realised help was needed on Sunday 1 December he alerted them immediately. "All it took was a radio call to Taihape, Taumarunui and Wanganui and straight away the system is in operation, the guys are immediately ready, " he said . The first search team included local people, followed by the Taihape team, who arrived just before dark and searched until about 11pm in atrocious weather conditions. "By Monday morning, the system had drawn people from all over the place and everyone was ready to go," said Mr Irwin. By Wednesday much of the bush had been covered three times and searchers had covered the main area, • Continued page 2.