What is Arthur's Pass Rescue?

Arthur's Pass Rescue is a Search and Rescue organisation, our umbrella organisation is LandSAR NZ Inc, and our key role is to provide emergency rescue services in the Arthur's Pass region (Canterbury & West Coast).

The main activity of Arthur's Pass Rescue is to co-ordinate local volunteers and resources, provide training for our volunteers, and to purchase & maintain rescue equipment.

Arthur's Pass Rescue was born in 1999 (originally as APRES) when a body was needed to take ownership of rescue equipment on behalf of the Arthur's Pass community. APRES was set up to be distinct from other emergency services and individuals. This was done to ensure equipment that had been donated and accumulated over the years would stay in Arthur's Pass. In March 2008, Arthur's Pass Rescue affiliated itself with LandSAR NZ.

Arthur's Pass Rescue operates a fund which is used to maintain existing equipment and purchase new equipment when required. This fund is maintained through donations, trust allocations & gifts. Benefactors include generous individuals, those who have benefited from Arthur's Pass Rescue services and a donation box at the Bealey Hotel.

A small community can only support so many organisations and committees. Therefore Arthur's Pass Rescue remains a small and simple entity. It is an association of interested and skilled people who volunteer their time and skills when a fast local response is needed to an emergency. Our executive exists of a Chairperson (Graeme Kates), Secretary (Chris Stewart) and a Treasurer (Gerald Bruce-Smith); an annual general meeting is held in March each year. Arthur's Pass Police, Arthur's Pass Rural Fire, St John Ambulance volunteers, Arthur's Pass Community Centre Inc, DoC and SAR volunteers consult on major issues and purchases. Local outdoor instructors co-ordinate monthly training days.

Arthur's Pass Rescue is a volunteer organisation and its members receive no financial or material compensation for their time spent on rescue activities.

On average our volunteers attend 30-40 incidents a year (355 manhours), and numerous training activities (735 manhours).

Arthur's Pass Rescue - Home Page www.apres.org.nz