Teenage hunters winched out of bush by NZDF

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Two teenage hunters missing in dense bush in the Raukumara Forest Park inland from Opotiki were found safe and well yesterday.

The 15-year-olds from the Bay of Plenty had gone hunting on Sunday and were due out late Monday morning.

When they failed to arrive, police were called and a search started using the Eagle helicopter and ground crews of Search and Rescue volunteers and police.

That search resumed at first light yesterday and involved police, SAR, LandSAR volunteers and a search dog.

“Searchers located the boys just after midday yesterday,” Bay of Plenty area prevention manager Inspector Phillip Gillbanks said.

“They were winched from the bush by a New Zealand Defence Force helicopter.”

The teens were assessed by NZDF medical staff and appeared to be OK.

“We would like to remind people to always prepare for any eventuality when venturing into the outdoors,” Insp Gillbanks said.

“New Zealand conditions and terrain can be unforgiving and it pays to always have the necessary clothing and equipment to spend a night in the bush regardless of your intentions.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the searching and planning that assisted in locating the teenagers.”

The boys went into the Forest Park near the Otipi trig and were expected to follow the creek in that area where search efforts were focused yesterday.