NZSAR Award 2001

NZLSAR had the pleasure of nominating AREC for the National SAR Award, for their long commitment to Search and Rescue in New Zealand, not only Land SAR, but assistance with Marine and Class III searches as well. It was gratifying that AREC was the ultimate recipient of this Award.
This is a recent award, and the first time it has been presented. It is intended for individuals or organisations involved in any aspects of Search and Rescue in New Zealand .

 
After a number of attempts to schedule a presentation ceremony, the date of Friday 1 Feb was finally selected.
The Marine Safety Authority hosted the event in their building in Featherston Street in Wellington.
The Honourable Marian Hobbs MP made the presentation of the award itself, and Brian Purdie the AREC National Director received it.
Most of the AREC management team were also present and went forward as part of the presentation. A representative from NZART, their parent body, was also there and presented copies of a history of Amateur Radio in New Zealand to dignitaries.
Representatives from MSA, CAA, Police, and myself for NZLSAR were also there for the award presentation.
The Commander and representatives from the crew of HMNZS Resolution were in attendance, as they were recipients of a Certificate of Commendation for their rescue of a shark attack victim near Minerva Reef near Tonga in July 2000.
An afternoon tea of Muffins and Scones followed the presentation speeches, and very nice they were too.
Steve Davis
NZLSAR Committee

National SAR Award, an explanation (2002)

The New Zealand National Search and Rescue award is presented annually by the National Search and Rescue Committee (NSRC). The NSRC membership includes representatives from CAA, MSA, Police, Defence, Aviation Industry Association, NZ Shipping Federation, NZLSAR, Coastguard and AREC.
Award criteria
• This prestigious award is in recognition of an Outstanding contribution to search and rescue within the New Zealand region.
• It is awarded annually at the National Search and Rescue Committee meeting.
• The award is open to any individual or organisation and may relate to a particular event or a sustained contribution over a period of time.
• The successful nominee will have made a significant contribution to New Zealands Search and Rescue ability or to the saving of human life.
With five nominations received, a selection committee was set up which considered the merits of the nominations and presented a recommendation to the Search and Rescue Operations Committee (SAROC). SAROC in turn endorsed the advice given and forwarded the recommendation to the NSRC. After consideration they decided the recipient of the 2001 New Zealand National Search and Rescue Award would be Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.

AREC with a history dating back to the 1920s of providing a volunteer communication service are worthy receivers of this Award. I include below a passage from the letter putting forward their nomination which I think sums up well the reason AREC have won this prestigious Award.
AREC has been a long time volunteer contributor to the helping of those in distress, often under the most difficult of circumstances. However NZLSAR has observed that they are not bound in their history. They are a progressive organisation with a Mission Statement and Objectives which they not only promulgate but are actively acting upon. AREC are indeed a worthy recipient of the National SAR Committee Award not just for their previous or even present contribution but also for their efforts to provide excellence in the future.
Congratulations AREC from us all.
John P Tristram, NFO