Taupo Land Search and Rescue

25/04/2025

A huge thank you to all the First Responders. She was lucky to have such a great team.

| Louisa Redward, 43, wanted to thank the emergency services staff who rescued her.

24/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CdxLwGfWT/

Police are seeking photos of a Russian stuntman who went missing in 2002, in the hope the image can help identify partial remains located at Motutere earlier this year.

Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Turangi Police located his vehicle at the Jellicoe Reserve, 400 metres north of Bulli Point at Lake Taupo. The car key was left inside the vehicle, along with Artour’s throwing knives, clothing, passport and other important documentation.

Despite extensive search efforts, there was no sign of Artour and Police established he hadn’t been seen since he left Auckland two days prior.

On 9 January this year, Police were called to a holiday park at Motutere, where several bones were located near a walking track.

Senior Constable Barry Shepherd QSM, of the Taupo Area Search and Rescue Squad, said Police believed the remains were those of Artour, but extensive enquiries have been unable to lead to a positive identification.

"We’ve been unable to contact his next of kin, so hope there is a colleague or friend who may be able to help us.

"Artour was a stuntman for the likes of Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and we hope there is someone who worked with him who may have high-quality photos of his face, and especially his teeth."

Artour had gold teeth in his upper jaw, that would have been distinctive, Senior Constable Shepherd said.

"We know 22 years is a long time, but I urge anyone who may have worked with Artour, to please review any images you may have and contact us if you can help."

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the reference number 250110/2158.

02/04/2025

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Thank you Barry for all you do!

The year was 1976. McDonalds opened their first branch in Porirua, Abba released the single Dancing Queen, and the Whanganui Computer was introduced.

And a 17-year-old Barry Shepherd caught the overnight train from Hamilton to Wellington to begin a policing career – one that’s lasted 49 years and counting.

“His service in Taupō is legendary down here but I think people also need to realise what he has done internationally and nationally... from the Australian bush fires and MH17, plus Solomon Islands and all the major incidents in New Zealand.”

Read Barry's story here: www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/49-not-out

20/01/2025

A brilliant video of our 2024 SAREX.

23/09/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN9s6Fs2Ngw

Taupo Police recently hosted a SAR exercise for local groups. Although the weather was a little wet it was a brilliant scenario and opportunity for the team to learn. A great short video of the weekend from Taupo District Council to give you some insights into the weekend.

Taupō District Council consists of 12 councillors and Mayor David Trewavas. Representatives are elected to represent five wards: the Te Papamārearea Māori w...

16/06/2024

Another great training session this weekend out at Kai Waho - processing sites and tracking with a delicious hangi to finish! Thank you Tom for your hospitality!

13/06/2024

Our mighty Civil Defence have given us a heads up. Hunker down and stay safe.

🟡🟡HUGE UPDATE!🟡🟡

They brought kick off forward, almost like we’re playing in South Africa or something.

👉So instead of 6am start we’re going to begin at 3am.

👉Still running through till 9pm so instead of 15 hours worth, we’ll get 18 hours!

👊Free rain!

We don’t think it’s worth setting your alarm and getting up early for, just something to be aware I guess.

Alright, you take care now.

🟡Alright, time to WATCH out.🟡

MetService New Zealand have issued us a Heavy Rain Watch.

Looks like we'll be getting the dregs from Vegas as the trough passes from the north-east.

Short and sweet from the Metservice -

👉Period: 18hrs from 3am - 9pm Fri, 14 Jun
👉Area: Taupo
👉Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible. Low chance of upgrading to a Warning.

So, low chance of having to use the ingredients, but we'll have them regardless, even if they are second-hand ingredients from Rotorua.

🌧She'll be wet, so get your lights on if you have to drive in it.
I know we're big on camo in this district, but a dull coloured car with no lights on is taking it a little too far!

For weather 🌧 -

metservice.com

For roads 🚗 -

journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Alright, you take care now.

05/06/2024

If you get a chance to watch First Responders on Three Now, check out the LandSAR Turangi team with assistance from our brilliant Taupo Chairperson Kevin and Police SAR Barry in supporting an injured person on the crossing. A great outcome and example of the work LandSAR does.

05/05/2024

A great day of training - introducing and refreshing our helicopter competencies. A huge thank you to Mark from Helicopter Services and Barry for making this happen. Great turn out from our Taupo and Turangi teams 🫶🏼