Mother and sons rescued from Tararuas
22 October 2016

A mother and her two sons, aged 10 and 12, have been rescued after spending the night in the open in cold, wet conditions in the Tararua Ranges.

The Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) received an activation from a personal locator beacon at around 6.30pm last night (21 October) on the Omega Track, and subsequently established cellphone contact with the mother.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator John Ashby said the boys had become cold and exhausted on the walk from Kaitoke to Alpha Hut on what was intended to be a four-day tramp.

However, strong winds and torrential rain in the area meant neither the Westpac Rescue helicopter, nor Police land search and rescue were able to reach the trio.

A helicopter from Amalgamated Helicopters in the Wairarapa reached the trio this morning and transferred them to Tutuwai Hut, where they were picked up by the Westpac Rescue helicopter and taken to a waiting ambulance in Kaitoke.

“They have had a cold wait in very uncomfortable, wet conditions but they had sufficient equipment for a four-day tramp and that has helped them get through the night,” John said.

“Without an emergency locator beacon to call for help, this would have been an extremely challenging situation for them.”

ENDS

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