04 September 2008
Waikato Police are urging members of the public intending to head off into the bush to ensure they are adequately prepared.
The call comes after Police and search and rescue volunteers review the successful recovery of seven torists from Mt Karioi near Raglan overnight.
Waikato Police Search and Rescue Coordinator, Sergeant Warren Shaw, said last night's search was the second SAR members were called out to yesterday.
"The call from the tourists came in about 6pm while a search for a missing elderly woman was going on in Kihikihi.
"Those involved in the Kihikihi search, which successfully ended about 7.15pm, then married up with other SAR personnel to respond to the tourist's request for assistance," he said.
Mr Shaw said the group, made up of a variety of European nationalities, were located about 500m from the track on Mt Karioi about 11.30pm.
"It was disappointing that when found the group were ill equipped, poorly clad, and not carrying any food," said Mr Shaw.
"One of they other key pieces of equipment they lacked was torches which would have been invaluable in the fading light, on the positive side once they phoned for help the group remained in place," he said.
The group are being interviewed by Raglan Police today and Mr Shaw said it would be valuable if others could learn from the group's misfortune.
"If you're intending heading out into the bush make sure you tell someone where you're going and take the right gear.
"That gear should include maps, a compass, food, water, a torch and wet weather gear and if possible like this group, a cell phone."
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