Each year excellence in search and rescue is formally recognised at the awards ceremony, acknowledging the dedication, achievements and sacrifices made by professionals and volunteers in all sectors of search and rescue in New Zealand.
One gold award and four certificates of achievements for support activity were awarded, making the rescue carried out by the crews from Pāuanui and Tairua among the top in the country for the year.
In a release, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand said: “The teams worked together efficiently and effectively, alongside bystanders and the family involved to carry out the rescue. To have this recognised on a national level is a great honour for all the rescuers involved.”