Search and Rescue Nelson

🚨Ongoing Search – Kahurangi National Park
A search is continuing for a tramper overdue in the Baton area of Kahurangi National Park.
To support ongoing search efforts, the following areas will be closed tomorrow:

Wilkinson Track
Baton Saddle
Loveridge Spur Route
Cowin Spur Track
Wharepapa Arthur Range – from Mount Star through to The Twins
Walking track to Flanagans Hut

Police are keen to hear from anyone who they haven't spoken to yet who was in the Baton/Ellis River area from the afternoon of 26 December, particularly anyone who was around Flanagan's Hut. More information is available here: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/search-missing-tramper-kahurangi-national-park

Been in Baton Valley/Ellis River/Twins area?
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Tasman Police have received a report of an overdue tramper in the Baton Valley / Ellis River / Twins area of the Kahurangi National Park.

The 66-year-old man was due to return home on 30 December but has not done so.

The man is around 177cm tall, approximately 100kg.

To help our search teams, we would like to hear from anyone who has been in the Baton Valley / Ellis River area since the afternoon of 26 December.

Search and Rescue would appreciate also hearing from anyone who has been around or stayed at the Flanagan’s Hut – and who may have seen a man matching this description.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105, either online or by phone, and quote event number P064981672.

👏 Celebrating 50 Years of Dedication: Honouring Ian Watts! 🧡

We’re thrilled to share that Ian Watts, a stalwart of Search and Rescue Nelson since 1975, has been awarded the King’s Service Medal in the 2026 New Year Honours!

For over five decades, Ian’s unwavering commitment has helped countless people lost or injured in urban and wilderness areas, as well as those affected by emergencies including the Kaikōura earthquakes, Pigeon Valley fire, cyclones Fehi and Gita, and the Covid 19 lockdowns.

Ian’s dedication goes far beyond the call of duty. From all-night searches in rugged terrain to coordinating multi agency efforts, he has always been there when people needed him most. His leadership and humility have shaped the team into what it is today.
Ian’s simple yet powerful reason:

“When you’ve managed to find someone and help them out … the feeling of just being able to be there for them … Days like that make the inconvenience worth it.''

In addition to operations Ian has been contributed to governance and training, and was one of the founding members of the Nelson Tasman Response Team.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Ian Watts on this well-deserved national honour! 🏅 Your passion and courage are truly inspiring, Ian—here’s to many more years of service and saving lives in our community.

Land Search and Rescue volunteer of 50 years honoured Ian Watts has also helped people in earthquakes, fires, storms and a pandemic.

Busy Week with Many Positives!

Two Successful SAR Operations!
✅ SAROP 1: Sunday evening, teams responded to a missing father and son near Rocks Hut. Thanks to quick coordination, they were located in heavy fog after getting lost on a day walk. Everyone made it safely back to the hut and walked out the next day—with pizzas waiting!
✅ SAROP 2: A PLB activation in the Upper Wairoa area led to a challenging search. With helicopter support and handheld tracking, the missing person was found and winched out safely.
👏 Huge thanks to all involved for the incredible effort and teamwork!

On Wednesday night, we celebrated at our seasonal end-of-year gathering and awards night.
🎉 Big congratulations to Richard Walker for being awarded the Tucker Shield, and to Ian Watts (you legend!) for an amazing milestone—50 years in SAR!
So good to see everyone there, and well done to all for your achievements this year.

Finally finishing off the week with supporting the Spectacle at aid stations, and some of the team taking part in the event with cracking times!🏃‍♀️‍➡️ 💪🏅