A mission to rescue a fallen rock climber has been recognised, with a Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew being awarded a Certificate of Achievement at the NZ Search & Rescue Awards.
Rescue helicopter pilot Kent, Critical Care Paramedic Adrian, and Paramedic and Winch Operator Karen received the Award at the event held at Parliament on 23 June. The awards recognise the courage, commitment, professionalism and expertise of search and rescue personnel across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Award citation commented on the team’s exceptional judgement in executing a complex cliff rescue under pressure.
“Their professionalism and measured decision-making ensured a successful outcome in a challenging and potentially life-threatening situation.” NZSAR Awards citation
Karen was at the forefront of the rescue, which unfolded on 1 March 2025.
“It’s a nice surprise to be recognised … it was a pretty memorable job.” Paramedic and Winch Operator Karen.
Two men were climbing Mt Rolleston in Arthur’s Pass National Park when a gear failure left one man hanging off the side of the mountain.
The rescue helicopter was dispatched, carrying four members of LandSAR’s Alpine Cliff Rescue team.
Karen was responsible for winching the Alpine Cliff Rescue team down onto the mountain and getting them and the two climbers back to safety – a job that was not for the faint-hearted.
“It was at a very high altitude and I had a very small area to winch the Alpine Cliff Rescue team down onto. If they didn’t have sure footing before detaching from the winch hook, they could have fallen a very long way. I had to lean on all my experience and knowledge, along with visual cues, to ensure they were safe,” Karen says.
Adding to the complexity of the job was the sheer number of winches that Karen had to complete. Winching is a mentally fatiguing task. On a regular winch job, the winch operator would conduct two winches – this job required at least 10 separate winch operations.
“This mission required a huge workload in what was a very dangerous situation. We had to work with such precision and care, all while ensuring the helicopter downwash didn’t blow rock down onto the climbers or the Alpine Cliff Rescue team there to rescue them.”
The Alpine Cliff Rescue team involved in the mission also received recognition at the Awards event.
“This mission was a true team effort with an outstanding outcome – everyone made it home safely at the end of the day, and that’s what matters most.”
