7 October 2025

This Saturday, 11 October, we will welcome nine teams of volunteers from around Canterbury—plus one from Clutha—to put their skills to the test in our region’s annual Land Search and Rescue Harris Trophy competition.

Now in its 39th year, the event brings together volunteers and supporters from across the community to celebrate the teamwork, commitment, and skills that underpin our search and rescue efforts.

First held in 1986, the Harris Trophy was established by Neil Harris to bring volunteers together for a social occasion while also challenging and strengthening the skills that are vital in real-life operations. It has since become a proud regional tradition and a highlight of our calendar.

This year’s competition will be held on Otamahua / Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour. Although not a common training or response location for Land Search and Rescue, the island’s unique setting allows us to showcase its history while challenging volunteers in both land and shoreline search scenarios.

Teams registered to compete represent Clutha, South Canterbury, Methven, Rakaia, Ellesmere, Christchurch, Oxford, Hurunui, and Police. Teams will be assessed on teamwork, leadership, search skills, and rescue techniques, along with several mystery challenges. We will award an overall winner, as well as trophies for best communication (radio use) and best navigation.

We are pleased to be supported on the day by Coastguard Canterbury and the local branch of Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC).

Bringing this event together takes more than nine months of planning, with volunteers contributing at every stage of preparation and delivery.

Otamahua / Quail Island will remain open to the public throughout the day, and we encourage visitors to come across and see the challenges our teams will take on.

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