6 July 2006
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand can now confirm they are searching for a party of five people in the Urewera’s following a distress beacon being activated at 10:15pm yesterday.
A team of three search and people from Rotorua were dropped into the area this morning by helicopter following a break in the weather. Another search and rescue party of three are due to head to Maungapohatu by car. From there they will tramp into the search area. They cannot be airlifted into the search area because of deteriorating weather conditions.
The search and rescue team are equipped to stay overnight if they have to. There are huts in the area.
The terrain they are searching is very rugged.
There is no further information at this stage. Updates will be provided when more information comes to hand. The party went into the Urewera’s on a hunting trip on 3rd July. They were due to be collected by helicopter at 10am this morning.
For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
