The  New Zealand Search and Rescue

Awards Programme

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When was the NZSAR Council Awards programme established?  (top)


The NZSAR Council Awards programme was introduced in 1999 to acknowledge outstanding search and rescue work by individuals, groups and organisations in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region.  The programme also serves to  raise awareness of SAR efforts across the country.  The structure of the awards programme was updated in 2007 to include the NZSAR Gold Award and Certificates of Achievement.

 

Are there separate awards for paid and volunteer SAR personnel?   (top)


No.  Both the New Zealand Search and Rescue Gold Award and the Certificate can be awarded to either paid or volunteer SAR personnel.

 

Are the awards only for lifetime achievement in SAR?   (top)

 

No.  Any significant contribution to SAR in the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region should be considered in nominating an individual or organization for the NZSAR Councils awards programme.  The nominee must have performed outstanding work in the field of SAR above and beyond routine work and service.  The contribution may be in the form of sustained effort over a period of time or for a particular incident or group of incidents.

 

Can organisations, groups and individuals be nominated?    (top)

 

Yes.

 

How many awards are given out each year?   (top)


Only one NZSAR Gold Award can be presented each year.  Several Certificates of Achievement may be presented, depending on the calibre of the nominations. 

 

Will the Gold Award and Certificates be presented each year?   (top)

 

The NZSAR Council may decide on occasion not to present the Gold Award or Certificate if, in their opinion, the nominations do not warrant their presentation.

 

Where can I find the names of previous recipients?    (top)


Information about past SAR Award and Certificate of Achievement recipients can be found on this web site.

 

Can a previous winner be nominated again?    (top)

 

Yes. The organisation/group/person will be judged only on achievements since the previous award was received.  For those who have been nominated in the past (and have not won), previous nomination information can be updated and will be considered for the present nomination.

 

Can people from the same organisation be nominated?    (top)


Yes. You may nominate as many people as you like, but please fill out separate forms for each nominee, unless you are nominating the group or organisation as a whole.

 

Do I have to fill out separate forms for the Gold Award and Certificate of Achievement?    (top)


No. All nominees are considered for both the NZSAR Gold Award and a Certificate.  The nomination with the highest merit will receive the NZSAR Gold Award.

 

Are the nominations confidential?    (top)


Yes. We do not contact nominees unless asked to do so by the nominator. We contact the winners prior to the awards ceremony to confirm their attendance and other details.

 

When do nominations close?    (top)

 

Nominations close on the last day of October annually.