Special points of interest:

Rainwear for groups

page 7

ron smith page 8

Update your own

profile page 18

Chair’s comment 2

Directors’ positions 3

What the board does 4

Ceo’s report 5

Meet the board 8

sar statistics 9

Lessons learnt 10

Board minutes 11

Phil burgess 17

From rae’s desk 18

Membership survey 19

Technology group 20

uavs 22

Competencies 23

Curriculum 25

Macpac deal 27

Inside this issue:

March 2015

L A N D S A R

Searchlight

Drones in the Molesworth. – see page 18

UAVs in the Molesworth – see page 22. Photo: Harry Maher

Keep up with LandSAR Click here : www.facebook.com/LandSARNewZealand

W e signed a memorandum of un-

derstanding with the Search and

Rescue Institute of NZ (SARINZ) just be-

fore Christmas. This is a great opportunity

to work together in a constructive man-

ner to ensure the future of land search

and rescue in NZ. It’ll mean that refresher

training will continue while we morph

into a competency-based training system.

SARINZ will assist us in making this transi-

tion and we’ll help them secure additional

longer-term funding. We’ll jointly work on

some of the key research outcomes we’ve

identified. Harry Maher and Tony Wells

are already making big strides in this di-

rection. This isn’t an exclusive agreement,

and LandSAR will continue to use a range

of training providers.

In some operations this summer, opera-

tional efficiency or, more correctly, opera-

tional effectiveness, is being questioned

by people within LandSAR, with corre-

sponding expectations from victims’ fami-

lies and the public. This raises several

questions that lead to many more:

Are we staying in the hasty phase too

long?

Do we plan enough up front?

Are we using all the resources

available in a coordinated manner?

How do we know or measure if a

has gone well?

Do we have a learning culture?

We’ll be initiating a working group to look

into operational effectiveness and how

we measure this, which no doubt will re-

flect back on our training practices and

operational procedures.

I’m still amazed that LandSAR members

are talking about Head Office, ivory tow-

ers, and the Mothership! The national

support office consists of two and half

people working in a drafty space in Christ-

church (shared with Coastguard), sur-

rounded by a few cardboard boxes. The

other four staff are spread around the

country. The board is also geographically

spread, the majority being operational

SAR people just like you – we are you! We

need to change this corporate concept as

it isn’t helpful. I’d like to encourage peo-

ple to think of an ‘outside-in’ organisa-

tion, with the Groups at the coal face, and

the national support office and Board in

the centre assisting those at the coalface

do their jobs better.

Talking about which, we had a great

Roadmap session in Nelson with a range

of members, stakeholders, board, and

staff. This re-affirmed the overall direc-

tion of the organisation with a bit of fine-

tuning around the edges.

Clearly, shifting the focus back onto the

volunteers has been a big improvement.

In the process, we need to make sure we

respect employers and the time that vol-

unteers give. In line with where legisla-

tion is going, we recognise the role and

responsibility of the individuals within the

Groups, and the other commitments we

all have.

The changes in what we do just keep on

coming, so we have to think and act so

that we can respond to these.

That’s about it for the last couple of

months – onwards and upwards.

Rex

Chair’s Comments

Page 2

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‘We signed a memoran-

dum of understanding

with the Search and

Rescue Institute of NZ

(SARINZ) just before

Christmas.’

Rex Hendry

Page 3

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Directors’ Positions Appointed Director – Angus Swainson

A t the 10 February Board meeting in

Nelson, the LandSAR Board was in-

formed that Angus Swainson (Appointed

Director) intended to retire from his

director’s position, due to family and

work commitments.

On behalf of all Board members I would

like to pass on my thanks to Angus for his

work on the Board over the last two

years. Angus’s legal background and busi-

ness skills have been valuable to us,

providing value across a range of issues.

We wish Angus well for the future.

Elected Director – Rex Hendry

The Board discussed the impact of Angus’

resignation, noting the cumulative impact

that this and potential future changes at

the Board level would have on continuity,

stability, and credibility with key stake-

holders and funders.

The Board noted the confidence they had

in Rex as Chair and expressed a desire to

see Rex continue in that position. It was

suggested that the Board appoint Rex to

the resulting vacant Appointed Director

position. It was noted that the LandSAR

Constitution requires that such appoint-

ments would need to be ratified at the

AGM – giving members the ultimate say.

This also results in the North Island Elect-

ed Director position becoming vacant,

allowing a further elected member to join

the Board.

The proposal was unanimously agreed to,

and Rex Hendry’s appointment as an Ap-

pointed Director will be presented to the

2015 AGM for ratification.

Greg Bishop (Deputy Chair LandSAR)

Rotoiti SAREX. Photo: Charles Bruning

I t seems that the role the LandSAR Board is

still not widely understood.

There are several main activities the Board

undertakes. Firstly, it sets the strategic direc-

tion for the organisation based on infor-

mation from members, staff, and external

organisations. This is captured in the Road-

Map. Secondly, it sets performance targets

that achieve the outcomes set in the Road-

Map and then checks that the organisation is

all moving down the same path. To do this, at

the two-monthly meetings there are finan-

cial, fundraising, and operational targets pre-

sented to the Board which show where and

what is happening. Sitting under these targets

are budgets to be approved, procedures to

be developed and reviewed, and compliance

with a wide range of external legislation and

internal policies. The legal responsibility for

maintaining oversight for this rests with the

Board members – individually and collective-

ly. “Your house is literally on the line when

you put yourself forward for this role”, advis-

es appointed Director Jaimes Wood.

Making all this work requires ongoing com-

munication and feedback from members, eg

through the recent nation-wide survey.

Workshops around things like the constitu-

tion review and an annual review of the

RoadMap is another way of collecting feed-

back and checking the direction. Similarly,

LandSAR staff are out and about ensuring the

messages are going both ways.

Another key role for the Board is to ensure

we maintain contact with key stakeholders

outside the organisation, eg the NZSAR Coun-

cil, NZ Police, and the Rescue Coordination

Centre. Where sensible, the Board joins with

management in these activities, as these con-

tacts could range from key staff through to

Ministers. With all the changes in the wider

sector, these relationships are becoming

more and more critical.

What the LandSAR Board is not, is a manage-

ment committee. It has only one employee,

the Chief Executive, Harry Maher. It’s Harry’s

role to appoint and manage staff, and chan-

nel resources as he sees fit to reach the out-

comes set by the Board (and members). The

staff set annual targets that meet the overall

RoadMap goals, pull the budgets together,

and get on and make it happen.

Board members

Page 4

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What the LandSAR Board Does… Or, maybe more precisely, what it doesn’t do!

Greg

Greg Bishop gmbishop@kpmg.co.nz

Terry Blumhardt info@walkingplaces.co.nz

Rex Hendry rex@recwork.co.nz

Terry Rex Dave Ron Jaimes

Dave Robertson dave@cs.otago.ac.nz

Ron Smith ron.smith@landsar.org.nz

Jaimes Wood jdw@xtra.co.nz

‘What the LandSAR

Board is not, is a

management com-

mittee.’

O perationally, the latest reporting period (1 October 2014 – 31 December 2014)

seems to be slightly busier than previous periods. The number of searches was

up (although it seems fewer volunteers were used) and there was a slight increase in

the number of subjects dealt with.

CEO’s Report

Continued

Page 5

Searchlight

’ a revised draft of the

Roadmap will be

circulated around the

working group and

eventually communi-

cated to all LandSAR

members.’

1 Oct – 31 Dec 2014 2014–15 2013–14 2012–13 2011–12 2010–11

Category 1 operations 88 53 67 75 85

Category 2 operations 4 0 0 2 3

Volunteer hours during SAROP 4,637 2,762 5,948 2,840 9,476

Volunteers used during SAROP 638 N/A 783 595 773

People at risk 97 62 113 136 114

Lives saved 7 6 9 18 58

People rescued 31 31 37 40 48

People assisted 38 21 64 73 2

People perished 14 6 5 4 6

People not located (missing) 7 4 7 1 12

Harry Maher

Roadmap progress

On 9 February the Board held a ‘Roadmap

Review’ meeting in Nelson. Attendees

included representatives of NZ Police,

RCCNZ, and NZSAR; Group Chairs from

Nelson, Golden Bay, Westport, Welling-

ton and Marlborough; and LandSAR staff

and Board members.

The current (2013) version of the

Roadmap was reviewed and current criti-

cal issues for LandSAR were discussed

and analysed.

Once the feedback has been processed, a

revised draft of the Roadmap will be

circulated around the working group and

eventually communicated to all LandSAR

members.

Volunteer-centric organisation

The first all-organisation volunteer survey

as identified in the Roadmap was sent out

to all LandSAR members via Survey Mon-

key in December 2014. An initial sum-

mary of the responses is on page 19.

Awards and certificates have been pre-

sented to volunteers who were unable to

attend the AGM, at the Nelson, Hamilton,

Golden Bay, and Westport Groups.

Safety Management System

The new Safety Management System

was released to all members just before

Christmas. Voluntary contact with the

forms and procedures is fairly low to

date, and staff will implement a pro-

gramme of direct engagement with

Groups through the first half of 2015,

and in the mid-year Group Planning

Tool (GPT) process.

An audit and investigation system is

being developed by GSO Mike Ambrose

for ongoing use by LandSAR staff. Some

training will be required to implement

this audit and investigation role.

Additional elements to the SMS will be

developed over the first half of 2015,

including printed Take Five booklets,

additional safety guideline resources,

investigation of high-risk outlier activi-

ties, and a possible fatal risk analysis.

Competencies Framework

Design of the assessment trial phase of

the project is well advanced. 13 Groups

in four clusters around the country have

accepted invitations to be involved.

One or two assessors from each Group

will be selected and trained, and they

will then assess a sample of volunteers in

the Groups against specific roles.

For the trial, only the Probationary Team

Member, Team Member, and Team

Leader roles will be assessed, and only a

sample of people in those roles.

CEO’s Report continued

Page 6

Searchlight

‘Additional elements

to the SMS will be

developed over the

first half of 2015...’

Continued

Fit for purpose organisation

The general timeline and project plan for the immediate future is as follows:

Action Target date

Invite Groups to nominate trial assessors 10 February

Vet and approve/decline nominations and compile list of final trial assessor pool

23 March

Send details on induction workshop and any relevant pre-

workshop materials to successful trial assessors

30 March

Produce resources for assessor induction workshop Ongoing to 16 April

Facilitate one-day Assessor Induction Workshop 18 April

Coordinate facilitation of assessor training to unit standards Ongoing up to 1 May

Deliver assessor training 2 & 3 May

Trial begins 20 April

Trial ends End of September

Relationships and partnerships

Relationships with key partners are strong.

The review and renewal of the Police /

RCCNZ / LandSAR MOU has begun and regu-

lar contact is ongoing on key issues.

The recent LandSAR / SARINZ MOU signing

has better positioned the relationship. Im-

plementation planning has begun and

SARINZ has joined several LandSAR-led pro-

jects. Work has also begun on preparing the

mid-2015 lodging of an investment plan to

the Tertiary Education Commission for

SARINZ access to the SARACE-funded initial

skills-acquisition training programme.

Change and adaptability

The Technology Working Group, led by Dave

Robertson, has begun work and will report

back in April 2015.

The LandSAR website and membership da-

tabase redevelopment project is complete.

The website is launched, along with the new

Training Management System, and the new

Quarterly and SAROP reporting screens.

These have been used by members and

feedback is positive.

The new underlying membership database

is also complete, and Groups are now main-

taining all their own membership data.

This project has been a good investment,

giving members and the public a much im-

proved web experience.

Training

The national all-of-SAR 2015 Training Pro-

gramme (for SARACE-funded skills acquisi-

tion training) is about to begin. The total

number of EFTs has been allocated.

The Request for Proposals for refresher

training for 2015 has closed. A small amount

of specific refresher training (IMT and rope

rescue training) has been newly allocated to

Tai Poutini Polytechnic but, otherwise, the

allocation reflects that of previous years.

The Training Re-alignment Project led by

Pete Corbett, which will align all the training

curricula (refresher training and SARACE-

funded skills acquisition training) to our

Competencies Framework and Safety Man-

agement System, is well underway.

Sector-wide meetings are being held to con-

sult with key stakeholders and volunteers.

NZSAR, TPP, SARINZ, and NZ Police are key

partners in this project and have committed

significant resources to support us.

Macpac MAP Fund

One of the elements of our partnership with

Macpac is the MAP Fund. 10% of the value

of each Macpac purchase made by LandSAR

volunteers goes into a fund that we can re-

deem for Macpac gear. To date, we’ve only

accessed this fund to get Macpac vouchers

to give to volunteers as prizes and rewards

in competitions and the like. Over the sum-

mer there’s been a real surge in purchasing

(which is great!) and the fund now stands at

over $10,000 worth of Macpac gear.

Recognising that safety management is a

top priority, I’ve decided to use $10,000 of

the MAP Fund to supply protective Macpac

rainwear to Groups. I also have $20,000

from Lotteries, and will use that for the

same purpose. The GSOs will work with

Groups to ascertain the priority needs and

will arrange the sizing, ordering, and distri-

bution.

Our partnership with Macpac is hugely valu-

able and we really appreciate their support.

The MAP Fund will continue to accumulate

value, and I’d encourage everyone in Land-

SAR to choose Macpac for your next gear

purchase. We’re all winners if you do!

Thanks.

CEO’s Report continued

Page 7

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‘Feedback on the

new system is very

positive...’

Meet the Board – Ron Smith

Page 8

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I was born in Methven in 1952 and

lived at the Highbank Power station

for the first 10 years of my life. My fa-

ther worked for the Ministry of Works as

maintenance man for the hydro.

The Rakaia River and surrounding area

was my playground and I learnt to swim

across at an early age. It must have put

some grey hairs on my parents. I was the

youngest with five brothers and two sis-

ters. We travelled by bus to Methven

School and, when it snowed, the bus

couldn’t pick us up and that was great.

When I was 10, we shifted into the

Methven township, and this was a little

scary for a young fellow like me. The

population then was around 500 and it

seemed like a city to a country boy who

was used to only have around 50 in

Highbank village. I soon got used to city

life and became a pest to the local con-

stabulary who spent many an hour chas-

ing me around. I thought it only fitting

that a country boy would keep them on

their toes. Methven now has around

1500 people and swells to over 5000 in

the Mt Hutt ski season.

Leaving school at 14, I took on any job I

could get, and there were plenty in

those days. All you had to do was work

from daylight until dark and it would be

fine. I did a stint at Levin and was em-

ployed by Her Majesty’s Service, and

then returned to try an apprenticeship

as a boat builder in Timaru. But I didn’t

enjoy this as I got all the crap jobs, so I

shifted to Geraldine and did a mechanics

apprenticeship instead.

After finishing this, I returned to Meth-

ven and started working in the transport

industry. There I met my future wife Ally,

and we brought up three boys and one

girl. All are now married and producing

us some lovely grandchildren who we

spoil rotten.

I started my own transport company in

1998 with little more than the shirt on

my back (the bank wouldn’t lend me any

money as they said I was a bad risk). I

borrowed from my neighbour and

bought my first truck. People said it

wouldn’t work as it’s a cut-throat indus-

try but I proved them wrong. When I say

I’m going to do something, I do it. We

now have a fleet of 10 trucks and em-

ploy 14 staff.

I’ve been a member of Methven SAR

since 1987 and this has been a passion

of mine, having filled nearly every posi-

tion in the Group. I’ve lost count of how

many searches I’ve been on and I now

spend most of my time in management.

Having seen how search and rescue op-

erates in NZ, I thought I would try to

help improve things, so got elected onto

the Board and am now in my fourth

year. I’ve been putting in as much effort

to this as I would to my business. It’s a

great team of people out there and I

enjoy helping where I can.

Boy do I love the outdoors – fishing (sea,

river, and lake) and hunting. One of my

boys who I took hunting at the age of

seven, hunts for me now as I like to me-

ander and take photos. He owns NZ Sa-

faris, and keeps me in meat. The rest of

my time, when you don’t need me, is

spent with our grandchildren.

I hope this gives you an insight into who

you elected.

Ron Smith

Member of the Lions Club

and former President

Chair of the Canterbury

Branch of the NZ Ground-

spread Association

Trustee of the Methven Aged

Care Trust – developing an

Emergency Response group

Deputy Chair of the Methven

Search and Rescue Group

An opportunity to know a bit more about the LandSAR Board members

SAR Statistics

Page 9

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NZSAR can provide various statistics relevant to our operations, as in the following examples.

SAR Statistics continued

Page 10

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A ccident studies often note that, for every accident,

there are many near misses (or near hits or close

calls).

It follows that we should see a number of near misses on

our incident register, but safety auditors will consistently

tell you that that is rare. Worse, they argue, a lack of reg-

istered near misses doesn’t indicate a positive safety

culture.

A near miss is a free lesson – something has gone wrong

but there is no cost. If we don’t take the free lesson and

manage the risk, we’re asking for a costly

accident at a later date.

Sometimes near misses are potentially fatal, e.g. a falling

rock or a driver falling asleep at the wheel. By logging

such incidents, we’ve a better chance of improving our

procedures, learning as a national organisation, and

avoiding accidents.

SAREX incident

The task was to access and raise a casualty on the cliff

using a stretcher.

While raising the stretcher and barrow-boy, the now re-

dundant lines used by the patient to get into position

were removed. This most likely dislodged a fist-size rock,

which fell onto the stretcher’s face guard. The exercise

was halted, potential for more rock fall was assessed,

and the raise aborted.

In retrospect, the need for an uncluttered system was

less important than the need to remove the redundant

lines, which had the potential to create rock fall.

Lessons Learnt A near miss is a free lesson ….

Board Minutes (unconfirmed)

Page 11

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Present Rex Hendry (Chair), Jaimes Wood; Ron Smith, Greg Bishop, Terry Blumhardt, Dave

Robertson

Continued

Item 1 - Apologies / Conflicts of interest Apology received and accepted from Angus Swainson.

No amendments to the Conflicts of Interest Register were required.

Item 2 – Minutes of December meeting

Jaimes moved that these be confirmed. Ron seconded this and the motion was

passed unanimously.

Item 3 – Matters arising from December meeting There were no matters arising from the minutes of the December 2014 meeting.

Item 4 – Action items from December meeting

No. Item Accountability Due date Status

Feb 2015

1 Amend Conflicts of Interest

register for Jaimes

Harry Feb Board

meeting

Done

2 Develop draft Communications

Plan

Harry Feb Board

meeting

Done

3 Review policies relating to youth

in LandSAR

Board Mid-2015 On Board

agenda Feb

2015

4 Review LandSAR Awards process,

criteria, and documentation

Ron Aug Board

meeting

5 Initiate process to elicit nomina-

tions for Life Members (for 2015

AGM)

Harry End of Jan

2015

Initiated

6 Collate examples of non-

LandSAR asset taskings that may

involve undue risk

Harry Feb 2015

Board

meeting

Done

10 February 2015

Nelson

Board Minutes continued

Page 12

Searchlight

No. Item Accountability Due date Status

Feb 2015

7 Investigate alternative Director

election options

Jamie & Dave Next Board

meeting

8 Continue work on Rule 6.3 Remit

from 2014 AGM

Board Feb Board

meeting

9 Write up and communicate to

Members the ‘key issues exercise’

from the 2014 Delegates Workshop

Harry Feb Board

meeting

Included in

Roadmap

Review

workshop

Continued

Progress on actions was reviewed.

The Board asked that the due date for the LandSAR awards action be changed

to June Board meeting.

The Board noted progress with the Life Membership action, and asked that the

due date for this piece of work be April Board meeting.

The action item re clause 6.3 of the constitution was allocated to Terry, with a

due date of April Board meeting.

Item 5 – Chair’s Report Rex updated the Board on progress with the SARINZ MOU and work he has be-

gun with Harry regarding performance management and linking that to the

Roadmap and organisational KPIs.

Item 6 – CEO’s Report The report was taken as read. The Board discussed the safety management

system and ongoing project to develop and implement the Competencies

Framework and sought clarification on several points.

Discussion was also held on the draft Communications Plan that was submitted

in the Board papers. Key points and actions from this conversation were:

The initial section (page 1) should better state the ‘What’ and ‘How’ of our

communications approach.

The plan should include a project plan that sets out key actions and dead-

lines and uses SMART measures.

10 February 2015

Nelson

Board Minutes continued

Page 13

Searchlight

Continued

Create a new 1st bullet point on page 1 to state ‘open and constructive

communication with and between members’.

Ascertain whether LandSAR has previously prepared a Disaster Response

Plan. Review if this exists or develop (with NZ Police) if it doesn’t.

Investigate policies and support for Groups regarding use of LandSAR vol-

unteer images in the media.

Review the wording in the plan (and other policies) regarding the use of

social media by LandSAR NZ and by volunteers.

Jaimes suggested that we engage a professional communications expert to

help complete the plan.

The issue of overseas travel was raised. The Board would like to see alter-

native strategies for international engagement investigated.

Item 7 – SARINZ MOU The Board discussed the SARINZ / LandSAR MOU and how this would be imple-

mented.

Discussion with the SARINZ directors since the signing of the MOU has been

held and it was noted that the SARINZ Board(s) had been advised that the Land-

SAR Board has fully committed itself and its staff to implementing the MOU and

that the SARINZ Board(s) and staff will need to show the same levels of commit-

ment to enable the MOU to be successfully implemented.

Jaimes Wood left the meeting at 0945

Item 8 - Fundraising Committee All Board members present were at the Fundraising Committee so no report

back was deemed necessary

Item 9 - Audit & Risk Committee Greg reported back to the Board on the Audit & Risk Committee meeting of 9

February. All Board members present were at the Audit & Risk Committee

meeting.

Greg proposed that the Board deal only with the recommendation from the

Committee regarding the draft 2015/16 business plan and budget. The recom-

mendation from Greg to the Board was that: The Board accept and approve the

draft 2015 budget, subject to the submission by Harry of a forecast balance

sheet for the 2015/16 year.

Defer approval of the Business Plan and KPIs text until after it they have been

aligned to the reviewed Roadmap.

10 February 2015

Nelson

Board Minutes continued

Page 14

Searchlight

Continued

Rex moved to accept this recommendation and this was seconded by Dave. The

motion was passed unanimously.

Item 10 – Technology Working Group Dave updated the Board on progress by the Technology Working Group. Dave

appraised the Board on the project plan he has developed and is currently im-

plementing with the Working Group.

Rex raised the issue of the need for us to get a better understanding on the

effects of subject’s use of technology and how this use of technology im-

pacted on SAR response, eg Mobile Locate.

There was also a discussion around search effectiveness and how we meas-

ure this, which may well be a high priority to undertake some research into.

After some discussion the Board asked Harry to start developing some terms of

reference and project plans for two pieces of work:

A piece of work to look at how ‘operational SAR tools’ such as GPS, PLBs

are best used to achieve SAR outcomes.

A piece of work to develop indicators and measures for ‘search effective-

ness ’ measurement and analysis.

Initial project outlines to be submitted to the April Board meeting.

Item 11 – Roadmap Review and Meeting with local Groups Monday’s Roadmap Review meeting was reviewed, along with the feedback

from the local LandSAR Groups received on Monday evening. Feedback to both

audiences will be given in due course.

Item 12 – General Business 12.1. Call-out protocols

The Board revisited the matter of increasing tension within the membership regard-

ing the call-out procedures and protocols of the statutory tasking authorities. It was

decided that Rex would write to the relevant authorities to raise the issue and make

them aware of LandSAR’s concerns, particularly those relating to health and safety.

Harry to draft key points and send to Rex.

12.2. Youth in LandSAR

The Board decided the appropriate constitutional status for the only remaining

YSAR group, and what position LandSAR should take re youth in LandSAR.

A dialogue with Tauranga YSAR has commenced regarding their future status

and this will continue until an agreement is reached.

10 February 2015

Nelson

Board Minutes continued

Page 15

Searchlight

10 February 2015

Nelson

Jaimes expressed his serious concerns about the future presence and status of

youth SAR groups and youth in LandSAR, and the risk that continued in the

constitutional links between LandSAR NZ and YSAR Tauranga.

LandSAR will await further advice from the Tauranga YSAR Board before decid-

ing how to proceed.

The Board asked Harry to advise them on how LandSAR might mitigate any risks

associated with the potential future scenarios for YSAR involvement with Land-

SAR. For the April Board meeting.

12.3. DOC Visitor Safety Reference Group

Harry advised that DOC had invited LandSAR to put forward a representative for

a new Visitor Safety Reference Group. The Board agreed that Rex should repre-

sent LandSAR on this entity.

12.4. Director election process

The Board noted that work is continuing to investigate possible improvements

to both the constitutional and non-constitutional processes, with a view to pos-

sibly presenting change proposals at the next AGM.

The Board noted that any proposals for change in this area would need to come

through the April Board meeting to enable time to consult prior to the 2015

AGM.

Harry was also asked to write up the key issues discussion from the AGM and

present that back to the Board (and from there back to the membership).

12.5. Appointed director – Angus Swainson

The Board recorded that Angus Swainson had indicated a need to retire from the

position of Appointed Director due to family and work commitments. The Board

noted the cumulative impact that this and other recent changes at the Board

level would have on continuity, stability, and credibility with key stakeholders

and funders, particularly if, following the election of the North Island director at

the 2015 AGM, Rex Hendry was to lose his position (which would then result in

LandSAR having had three Chairs in the last three years). Following a request

from Greg Bishop, Harry Maher and Rex Hendry left the meeting.

The Board noted the confidence they had in Rex as Chair and the Board indicat-

ed a strong preference for Rex to continue in that position.

Greg tabled a suggestion that the Board appoint Rex to the Appointed Director

position once Angus’ resignation has been formally received. Greg noted that

the LandSAR Constitution requires that Rex’s appointment as an Appointed

Director would need to be ratified at the AGM and that this process gave the

members the ultimate and final say. It would also result in the North Continued

Board Minutes continued

Page 16

Searchlight

10 February 2015

Nelson

Island Elected Director position becoming vacant, allowing a further elected

member to join the Board.

Following discussion, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Rex as an Appointed

Director once Angus Swainson has formally tabled his resignation.

12.6. Remit re rule 6.3 from the 2014 AGM

This piece of work was allocated to Terry to lead and report back to the Board for

the April Board meeting.

12.7. Life Members

Ron updated the Board on progress with this piece of work.

12.8. Membership survey update

Harry updated the Board on the December 2014 Membership Survey and the

interim results that we had received.

12.9. Wander Search

The Board discussed the future involvement of LandSAR in the Wander area.

Agreed to remain linked in to this area of work and to continue to work with

NZSAR to achieve the outcomes of the Wander Framework reports.

12.10. Review of NZSAR governance arrangements

Harry updated the Board on a very recent contact from a contractor working for

the SAR Council, who is reviewing the NZSAR governance arrangements. Harry

advised that he had met with John Hamilton (the contractor) and that John

would be happy to talk to the Board as well. The Board to consider who might

talk to John.

The meeting closed at 1200 hours.

Next meetings

20/21 April –

Wellington

9/10 June –

Auckland

11/12 August –

Napier

13/14 October –

Queenstown

8/9 December –

Invercargill

Proposed 2015 AGM date

18 July –

Wellington

Continued

Page 17

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Phil ‘Budgie’ Burgess has decided to leave the NZSAR Secretariat and the position of

National Search and Rescue Support Programme Coordinator.

Many of you will have encountered Phil over the years and we’ve all enjoyed work-

ing with him. I’d like to thank Phil for his contribution to SAR. Phil’s approach has

been typified by hard work, professionalism, commitment, and dedication.

Phil has been offered an opportunity in the Australian outback and leaves NZ on

7 April 2015. Harry Maher, CEO.

Phil Burgess

No. Item Accountability Due date

1 Review LandSAR Awards process,

criteria, and documentation

Ron June Board

meeting

2 Review process for Life Members (for the

2015 AGM)

Ron April Board

meeting

3 Continue work on Rule 6.3 Remit from the

2014 AGM

Terry April Board

meeting

4 Make various amendments to draft Com-

munications Plan and re-submit to Board

Harry April Board

meeting

5 Develop a draft TOR/Project Plan for a piece

of research into Operational SAR Technology

Tools

Harry April Board

meeting

6 Develop a draft TOR/Project Plan for a piece

of research into Search Effectiveness

Measurement

Harry April Board

meeting

7 Advise Board on risks and mitigation

strategies relating to youth in LandSAR

Harry April Board

meeting

Actions from the meeting

From Rae’s Desk

Page 18

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I hope you’ve all enjoyed a refreshing sum-

mer break, SAROPS or not!

There’s a lot to look forward to in 2015 for

LandSAR. On an admin note, we’ve now in-

troduced the facility to view and download

full details of each Group’s membership rec-

ords on the website:

www.landsar.org.nz/report.php

This will come in very handy when 1 April

rolls around and each group has to confirm

its current members’ register for the 2015

AGM.

LandSAR website

The website has been working well, with

groups finding the new reporting system easy

and simple, which is what we all like.

Did you know that you can update your own

profile on the website? Maybe you’ve

moved or want to change your password.

Maybe you want to change your email ad-

dress. Just go to View/edit my details in the

top left hand corner of the Members menu

as shown here

Pete and Karen are currently working on web

site functionality, which will mean that mem-

bers and GTOs can check and monitor each

person’s training record.

2015 AGM – 18 July 2015: Wellington

This year, the LandSAR AGM will be on Satur-

day, 18 July. It’s moved from the traditional

October / November period to avoid the

busy spring season of lambing / calving etc.

The AGM will be held in a Wellington venue

and will be the same format as 2013: ‘fly in

and fly out’. Please make a note of this date

in your dairies and we will send your more

details shortly.

Need support?

Remember we’re here to help. For a list of

who to approach, check out this page

www.landsar.org.nz/frequently-asked-

questions/who-from-the-national-support-

team-can-help-me/

I can help you with Group administration

support including:

Processing mileage claims.

Group admin support grants.

Membership records.

Issuing ID cards.

Rae Wakefield-Jones

Did you know that

you can update your

own profile on the

website?

Membership Survey

Page 19

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In December 2014, we sent out a survey to all LandSAR members seeking feedback on a vari-ety of issues common to us all. We had a very pleasing response to the survey, which you can see in full by logging into the members’ section of our website, and then going to: www.landsar.org.nz/publications-resources/landsar-surveys/

Below are two examples of the collated survey responses.

What is your main employment

Answered: 950 Skipped:

Full time employee

Part-time casual

employee

Full-time parent or unpaid caregiver

Student

Retired

Beneficiary

Self-employed

The lucky volunteer

who won the $500

Macpac voucher for

taking part is Chris

Sharp of Gisborne

LandSAR

On average, how often have y engaged in any

LandSAR volunteer les over the past 12 months?

Answered: 947 Skipped:

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

Daily Weekly At least

monthly

At least

quarterly

Not active

at all

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Continued

F or some time now, LandSAR Groups

have been asking for information and

direction regarding technology used in

SAR, particular search-management tech-

nology.

A number of quite different technology

solutions have been developed over the

years, eg IMAN and SARTrack, but it

seems there isn’t a lot known about what

exactly is the problem these solutions are

trying to solve. In response to this, the

LandSAR Board has established a Tech-

nology Working Group led by Dave Rob-

ertson (director and Chair of Dunedin

Group). Dave has assembled a team of

volunteers to help him and work com-

menced late in 2014.

The Working Group recommends that

LandSAR should define and adopt a data

exchange protocol to allow software

from any developer to talk a common

language, enabling SAR information to be

exported and imported freely between

different apps and platforms.

Advantages of a successful implementa-

tion include:

Groups will be able to use any soft-

ware package they prefer but not be

locked-in.

Upgrading software or switching to

new tools becomes easier and safer.

LandSAR isn’t requires to pick win-

ners.

Communication between Groups will

be enhanced.

Cooperation between Groups will be

enabled.

While this isn’t the whole solution to the

technology problem, a successful project

will be a major step forwards, while

avoiding some of the potential risks of

other approaches.

The major risk in this project is that

developers may not adopt the protocol.

We should accept that even if developers

are enthusiastic, their turnaround time

may be up to 1–2 years.

See the project plan on the next page.

Technology Working Group

‘The Working Group recom-

mends that LandSAR should

define and adopt a data

exchange protocol ....’

Harry Maher presenting an award to the NZ Police at Rotoiti Lodge

Photo: Charles

Bruning

Technology Working Group continued

Page 21

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Action Tasks Target date

of

in SAR

a. Set up working group

b. Set up a private version-controlled network

collaboration area

the by

developer :

S to

in from NZ

SARINZ will to

a. in sector

will point

a. to

c. for

to meetings

to or

c. If

to

‘If

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UAV over Molesworth. Photo: Harry Maher

D rones, unmanned aerial vehicles

(UAVs), remotely piloted aerial sys-

tems (RPAS) – there are a number of names

but they’re all essentially the same thing –

flying robots controlled by a ground-based

operator.

It’s already clear that these gizmos are a

coming technology that will have wide-

spread application in many aspects of

everyday life. It also doesn’t take much

imagination to think of the roles that UAVs

might fulfil within SAR. After all, we already

use aerial support extensively, and UAVs

might offer some of the same capability at a

much lower cost.

LandSAR would like to keep abreast of

developments in the UAV field, with a view

to being an early adopter of technology

that has been proven to be able to meet

our needs. We don’t want to overlook de-

velopments that might assist us in providing

better services to the lost, missing, or in-

jured, but nor do we want to be distracted

by expensive toys that need a lot more evo-

lution before they’re fit for purpose.

We’re working with UAV developers who

have their own interest in making the tech-

nology work in the SAR environment

(meaning that SAR-specific developments

can be made at no cost to us). We’ve sug-

gested some basic challenges for these

developers, which may help to sort the

current UAV capability realities from the

myths. These challenges include:

Conducting optical and sensor searches

at a meaningful range in a variety of

terrain.

Providing communications relay for

field teams (like a flying portable re-

peater).

Delivering – flying a radio to a missing

party that has been located by UAV.

LandSAR also supports NZSA’s recent sub-

mission to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

advocating for regulations that better allow

deployment of UAVs in SAR operations.

We’re aware that some LandSAR groups are

also involved in evaluations of currently

available UAVs. Whilst we understand the

temptation (especially when your real es-

tate agent or kids are already using them!)

we would sound these notes of caution:

Current off-the-shelf systems are very

limited in their capabilities – a narrow

operating range of weather conditions,

short battery life (equals short range),

optics / sensors and data relay, system

redundancy, and protocols for dealing

with component failures and robust-

ness (failures resulting in significant

damage to or total loss of the aircraft

are common).

Current CAA regulations don’t permit a

UAV to be used beyond line of sight.

On balance, we suggest that currently avail-

able UAVs are unlikely to offer any reliable

advantage over conventional SAR resources

and strategies.

While this is an exciting field, we believe

that affordable, safe, and practical systems

that add value to our SAR work are still

some years away.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and LandSAR

Page 22

‘...these gizmos are a

coming technology

that will have wide-

spread application in

many aspects of

everyday life.’

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Introduction

The Competencies Framework project has

been a long time in gestation, and 2015 is

the year to finally roll it out and implement

the new assessment-based competency

framework.

But before we do that, we must trial the

new assessment processes and systems that

have been developed to ensure they’re go-

ing to work for the average LandSAR mem-

ber. It’s relatively easy to document the

skills, knowledge, and attitudes members

must have to undertake a specific role to a

required standard; however, it’s considera-

bly more challenging to establish that mem-

bers actually have those skills, knowledge,

and attitudes, and that they retain them

and remain current.

So, it’s proposed to conduct a trial of the

assessment system with selected Groups

during the first half of 2015.

Selected Groups

To attain regional and Group capability rep-

resentation we have invited the following

Groups or roles to participate in the trial:

Competencies Framework – Assessment Trial

Page 23

‘...it’s considerably

more challenging to

establish that mem-

bers actually have

those skills, know-

ledge, and attitudes,

and that they retain

them and remain

current.’

Region or operational area Trial Groups Levels

Southern

Wanaka

Te Anau

Wakatipu

Group and regional

West Coast

Westport

Karamea

Greymouth Group and regional

Tararua Alliance

Horowhenua

Wairarapa

Palmerston North

Group and regional

Waikato / Bay of Plenty

Hamilton

Rotorua

Tauranga

Group and regional

Stand-alone Group Wellington Group

Specialist roles

DF tracking team member

Safety Advisor

Operations Manager

National

Continued

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As can be seen from the selections, it’s im-

portant that LandSAR is able to trial the var-

ious levels of assessment. The range is from

assessments at a group level by the group

or regional assessors, to assessments at a

national level by national assessors for spe-

cific role competencies, eg a DF tracking

team member and a safety advisor.

Trial scope

It’s proposed that the assessment trial fo-

cuses on the following role competencies:

Regional and Group level

Probationary field team member

Operational field team member

Operational field team leader

National level

Safety Advisor

DF tracking team member

Operations Manager

Proposed timeline and action points

The following table outlines the various

actions and activities required to initiate

and conduct the assessment trial.

The timeline is indicative at present, and

feedback on the timeline will be sought

from Groups and assessors in due course.

Competencies Framework – Assessment Trial continued

Page 24

‘….it’s important that

LandSAR is able to trial

the various levels of

assessment .’

Indicative timeline Actions or activities

February 2015 Groups to canvas members for suitable assessors at the Group and region-

al levels – to complete the assessor recruitment process and forms with

completed documentation forwarded to LandSAR

March 2015 LandSAR to undertake the following actions:

Finalise assessor nomination and selection process

Format and produce assessment guidelines, task books, forms, and

other materials required for assessment trial

Arrange assessment trial workshop

18 April 2015

Assessment trial workshop:

Explain operational competencies

Explain assessment processes

Explain purpose and conduct of assessment trial

Issue assessment materials as required

Early May 2015 Assessor training course – US4098

Early May 2015 Trial commences

May–August 2015 Ongoing feedback received from participants

August 2015 Trial concludes, review commences, and feedback actioned as applicable

Searchlight

I nitial skills-acquisition training delivered

to LandSAR volunteers by Tai Poutini Poly-

technic (TPP) is based on the Land Search

and Rescue Curriculum, which was approved

in February 2011.

With the implementation of the LandSAR

Competencies Framework and the LandSAR

Safety Management System, it’s time to align

the existing curriculum with the Competency

Framework and create a SAR curriculum

that’s fit for purpose and caters for the train-

ing needs of the SAR sector.

The project

The project, led by Pete Corbett and involv-

ing NZ Police, NZSAR, TPP, SARINZ, and Glob-

al SAR Services, has been initiated to carry

out this alignment and redevelopment work.

The objective of the project is to collabora-

tively develop authentic SAR curricula parti-

tioned into:

A land search and rescue tactical

curriculum.

A SAR Sector generic or strategic

curriculum.

Principles

The design and development of the SAR cur-

ricula will be guided by the following under-

lying principles in order to meet the training

needs of the sector:

Performance based by being aligned to

operational competencies and other per-

formance measures.

Informed by New Zealand SAR sector

doctrine and actively supports a contin-

uously improving environment.

Valid by delivering on desired learning

outcomes and operational performance.

Aligned to block courses and other

blended training options to create clear

role specific training pathways.

Capable of recognising and rewarding

training achievement.

Fully integrated with the SAR agency’s

safety management systems.

Owned by the SAR agencies and provides

opportunity for multiple internal and

external providers.

The new SAR curricula will retain as much of

the existing curriculum as possible – the pro-

ject will not be starting from a blank sheet of

paper.

The project extends the design, develop-

ment, and approval of the new curricula doc-

ument but doesn’t go further into any neces-

sary design and development of any compo-

nent parts such as standards, assessment

schedules, or training materials.

Steering group

A steering group will represent stakeholders

and provide guidance on all aspects of the

project. The members are:

Pete Corbett – LandSAR (Chair)

Phil Burgess – NZSAR (representing other

SAR agencies)

Sgt Jo Holden – NZ Police

Ian Newman – LandSAR

Karen Walker – LandSAR (providing

administrative support)

Rae Tailby – TPP

Gerard Moore – TPP

Nick Coyne – Global SAR Services

Tony Wells – SARINZ

Curriculum Alignment Project

Page 25

‘...the project will not

be starting from a

blank sheet of paper.’

Continued

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Curriculum Alignment Project continued

Page 26

Phase Details Milestone

Planning Steering Group meeting to prepare and endorse a project plan 19 February

Alignment The work of physically aligning the operational competencies with the Curriculum

standards.

This will involve the identification of:

Training gaps in the curriculum

Existing alignment in the curriculum

Extraneous training in the curriculum that can be removed

This work will be undertaken on a modular basis with key project personnel work-ing with existing working groups of subject matter

16 April

Consultation and re-view

Consult with the Steering Group and other interested parties from the stakeholders (PAC included) about the results of the alignment phase – receive feedback and amend as required

28 May

Steering Group meeting

Steering group to meet at the conclusion of the previous phase to evaluate and endorse the work completed to date and review the on-going project plan – tentative date set with venue to be advised

2 June

Curricula design and development

This is a re-packaging exercise involving the following:

Identifying the standards that need to be revised, written or included from oth-

er domains

Structuring those existing and proposed standards into packages for delivery

(block courses and other blended options) and attainment of qualification as

appropriate for the various roles

Developing other curricula components such as graduate profiles, entry crite-

ria, and role specific training pathways

30 June

Steering Group meeting

The Steering Group to meet to consider the draft curricula before putting it out to a far wider SAR sector audience for a final round of consultation

30 July

Curricula consultation and review

Draft curricula sent out to SAR sector for review and feedback 21 August

Complete curricula Amendments made and curricula approved by SAR sector agencies 11 September

Training design and development phase

This rewriting, revising, or design of existing and new standards and training as identified in previous phases is beyond the scope of this project

However, it’s intended this final phase will be used to prioritise the further develop-ment and design work required to complete all curricula components, whilst also assigning responsibility to ensure that it’s done in a timely manner

To be deter-mined

A phased approach will be adopted as follows:

M acpac and LandSAR have formed a

partnership to support land

search and rescue volunteers all over NZ.

You can provide your support, and solve

all your present buying problems, by do-

ing your shopping at your local Macpac

store!

Here’s how it works

The offer is open for LandSAR volunteers

and friends and family of LandSAR volun-

teers (and staff). This is how it works:

All LandSAR volunteers, on

production of their ID at a Macpac

store, receive 30% discount off

Macpac products and 20% off non-

Macpac items, or sale price,

whichever is greater.

For each purchase Macpac records

10% of the purchase value which will

go into LandSAR’s MAP fund. Macpac

annually provides LandSAR with

Macpac product to the value of the

MAP fund accumulated over the year

through sales to LandSAR volunteers.

So, the more you buy from Macpac,

the more equipment our LandSAR

volunteers get!

LandSAR volunteers can go into any

Macpac retail shop or ring the

Macpac mail order number on 0800

622 722. For the moment, the MAP

programme doesn’t apply to online

sales. You’ll need to join the Macpac

Wilderness Club to make sure that

the MAP rebate is captured. If you’re

already Macpac Wilderness Club

members, it’s an easy and quick

update to add the LandSAR code to

your membership at a Macpac shop

counter.

We encourage you to tell your

friends and associates about the

LandSAR MAP programme and, as

long as they mention they’re a friend

of LandSAR, 10% of the purchase

value will go to LandSAR’s MAP fund.

Please note that for bulk purchases

(more than 10 units) ordered by

LandSAR Groups, wholesale prices

will apply and the 10% rebate will

also apply. All these orders /

purchases need to be made through

Macpac head office in Christchurch

via the commercial sales department:

john@macpac.co.nz

The full Macpac product range is at:

www.macpac.co.nz

Macpac mail order

No. 0800 622 722

‘...30% discount off

Macpac products....’

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