Motueka Search and Rescue

07/07/2026

Police continue the search for Natalie today in the Pōhara area. A land and water search will be conducted using Land Search and Rescue search teams, Surf Rescue inflatable rescue boats, drones and DOC staff to support.

To help with search efforts, Police are keen to hear from anyone who was in the water in the Pōhara area around 8am yesterday, Monday 6 July. Any information can prove vital in our search, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Police are also asking for anyone with CCTV in the area to check their cameras and let us know if you've captured movements of Natalie.

The 80-year-old was last seen at about 8am yesterday, leaving her home on foot.

Natalie was wearing a light pink woollen hooded jersey (oodie) and black sneakers.

If you see Natalie, or have any information for Police, please call 111 and reference number P066917433.

14/06/2026

This week is national volunteer week, so we would like to recognise all our members who come to trainings, respond to call outs, take time away from family and work - thank you! Also thanks to the other volunteer groups we work alongside - your all legends!🥳

3,000 volunteers across 68 groups. Land Search and Rescue New Zealand is an organisation of dedicated individuals who give their time to help the lost, missing and injured. This national volunteer week we want to acknowledge everyone across Aotearoa who serve their community.

Volunteering New Zealand

10/03/2026

Some photos from our combined sar training with Search and Rescue Nelson on Monday night. Thanks to our instructors Kegan, Jai and Simon, and Daniel for organising.

18/01/2026

We are very pleased to hear that Graham has been found. An excellent outcome.

Graham Garnett, 66, has been found sheltering in a hut in Kahurangi National Park, alive.

Graham went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area and did not return as expected on 30 December.

An operation got underway involving Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) groups and specialist teams, New Zealand Defence Force, Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand and many volunteers and supporters.

On Thursday 15 January, the search team made the difficult decision to call off the search but remained ready to respond if new information came to light.

Today at about 2.30pm Graham was discovered in Venus Hut by contractors who were working in the area.

Graham has been transported to Nelson Hospital where he has been reunited with his family.

This is an amazing result. We are so pleased for Graham and his loved ones.

Obviously he has been through quite an ordeal and everyone involved in the search is delighted to hear that Graham has been found alive.

Graham's family request privacy at this time.

15/01/2026

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Police have suspended the search for Graham Garnett. https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/kahurangi-national-park-search-suspended

Motueka Land Search and Rescue would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has given their time and support to this search.

To the volunteers of the following groups who gave their time and expertise, and also to the family and employers of those volunteers:
Motueka Land Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue Nelson
Golden Bay Search & Rescue
LandSAR Marlborough
Murchison Land Search and Rescue

For support with RECCO:
Greymouth Land Search and Rescue
Westport Land Search & Rescue

For providing specialist teams and to the volunteers of those teams:
Tasman Swiftwater and Canyon Search and Rescue
Wānaka Swiftwater and Canyon Search and Rescue
Canterbury Canyon Search and Rescue
Upper North Island Canyon Search and Rescue

For resources, personnel and assistance:
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Rescue Coordination Centre

For providing gear, parking spaces, food and support for our volunteers and technical teams:
The Baton House - Ange Palmer
The Smoking Barrel
Woolworths Motueka
Rainbow Ski Area
Motueka Aerodrome

To the commercial operators who contracted their services:
Nelson Heli Charter
Garden City Helicopters
Nelson Helicopters

We would like to thank the Nelson Marlborough, West Coast Police Search and Rescue team for providing leadership in this search and to Land Search & Rescue New Zealand for the support both in the search and ongoing training.

Police continue to support the family in their ongoing efforts to bring Graham home and we remain ready to respond if new information comes to light. Our thoughts are with Graham’s family and loved ones at this time

05/01/2026

🚨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

02/01/2026

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.