Anton Wopereis

The tragic death of a Wanaka mountain guide underlined the risks taken by search and rescue volunteers in helping those in difficulty in the mountains and back-country, LandSAR New Zealand said today.

The national land-based search and rescue organisation said in a statement that it deeply regretted the death of Anton Wopereis, 54, who was a volunteer with LandSAR Wanaka for more than a decade.

"Anton Wopereis typified LandSAR volunteers, using his professional skills and experience to help train other volunteers, and to help rescue those who get into trouble in the wilderness," LandSAR NZ Executive Director John Scobie said.

"His tragic death highlights the very narrow gap between safety and risk in these environments. Mr Wopereis, like other volunteers, has been prepared to put himself at risk time and time again in securing the safety of others.

"The search and rescue community is deeply saddened by this tragic accident," Scobie said.

ENDS

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