NZSAR Council - About Us

The NZSAR Council was established by Cabinet in February 2003 to provide high level strategic governance to all search and rescue agencies in New Zealand.

What does the Council do?

The Council:

  • provides strong strategic co-ordination for all search and rescue in New Zealand
  • provides strategic policy advice to government
  • is responsible for developing and maintaining a New Zealand search and rescue plan
  • is responsible for establishing a New Zealand search and rescue vision, mission and goals

NZSAR Council Terms of Reference

NZSAR Council meeting minutes

Does the Council rely on supporting bodies?

The Council is supported by a Secretariat and a Consultative Committee.
The Secretariat provides policy and strategic advice to the Council, while the Consultative Committee is a forum of representatives from the many organisations in the broader SAR sector.

What organisations are represented on the Council?

The Search and Rescue Council comprises the Chief Executives (or their designated representatives) of five public organisations with strong links to the Search and Rescue Sector.

The organisations are:

Other agencies with an interest in matters before the Council are able to attend NZSAR Council meetings by request or invitation.

Can I access the minutes of NZSAR Council meetings?

The Council welcomes interest in minutes from NZSAR Council meetings.

Who is on the NZSAR Council?

The Current members of the NZSAR Council are:

Martin Matthews.
Martin Matthews
Chair of the NZSAR Council
and Secretary of Transport
Howard BroadHoward Broad
Commissioner of
the New Zealand Police
Catherine TaylorCatherine Taylor
Director
Maritime NZ
Steve DouglasSteve Douglas
Director
Civil Aviation Authority
Lieutenant General Jeremiah (Jerry) MateparaeLieutenant General Jeremiah (Jerry) Mateparae, ONZM
Chief of Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
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