Latest news with #RNZAF
1News
09-07-2025
- Climate
- 1News
Tramper and dog rescued from Wellington's Tararua Ranges
A near-hypothermic tramper who was winched to safety alongside his dog says he is "really grateful" to have been rescued from freezing conditions in the ranges north of Wellington yesterday morning. The rescue in the Tararua Ranges took place in pre-dawn darkness early on Tuesday, with a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopter crew negotiating low cloud and steep terrain. Wellington man David Graham, an experienced tramper, and his Kelpie, Winnie, were on the second night of a tramp heading towards the Mid-King Bivvy on Monday night when the weather closed in and they could not find the hut. Unable to find the shelter, he and Winnie settled under a large rock. But by 9pm the cloud lifted, bringing dew down and freezing his sleeping bag. In 0.5C temperatures with rain setting in, Graham called emergency services and set off his personal locator beacon to alert authorities to his whereabouts. ADVERTISEMENT The crew winched a near-hypothermic tramper and his dog to safety from freezing conditions in the Tararua Ranges north of Wellington. (Source: Supplied) While it was initially decided a Land Search and Rescue crew would walk in the following day, by 2am a shivering Graham contacted police again. An NH90 helicopter from RNZAF Base Ohakea left for the Tararua Ranges at 4am, reaching him 30 minutes later. "As soon as I got in the chopper I was given the best hot chocolate I've ever had in my life. They gave me a Crunchie bar and put a heated pack down my front." No.3 Squadron NH90 pilot, Squadron Leader Andrew Stewart, said Graham had done the right thing by taking a personal locator beacon with him which meant they were able to fly almost directly to him. The terrain was steep with bluffs directly below Graham, so it was a potentially dangerous situation for him to have lost his bearings. The cloud was thick and low, sitting on the eastern side of the ranges, Stewart said. David Graham being winched to safety. (Source: NZDF) ADVERTISEMENT After landing at Masterton's Hood Aerodrome, he was assessed by medics who found early symptoms of hypothermia had begun to affect his feet. Graham said he was was "pretty happy" to be flown to safety, and would be able to see his wife and one-year-old baby. "I'm just really grateful. And I hope the medic keeps tight hold of whatever recipe he has for that hot chocolate."
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
RNZAF Helicopter Crew Rescues Tararua Tramper And His Dog
A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopter crew has winched a near-hypothermic tramper and his dog to safety from freezing conditions in the Tararua Ranges north of Wellington. The rescue took place in pre-dawn darkness early on Tuesday, with the crew negotiating low cloud and steep terrain. Wellington man David Graham, an experienced tramper, and his Kelpie, Winnie, were on the second night of a tramp heading towards the Mid-King Bivvy, when the weather closed in with thick cloud reducing visibility to less than 20 metres. 'I've been told since then that it's a notoriously difficult hut to find because the track had overgrown,' Mr Graham said. Unable to find the shelter on Monday night, he and Winnie settled under a large rock, which had icicles hanging off it that would provide water if needed. However, by 9pm the cloud lifted, bringing dew down and freezing his sleeping bag. Mr Graham called emergency services and set off his personal locator beacon. It was initially decided a Land Search and Rescue team would walk in the next day, but at 2am, a shivering Mr Graham, concerned about his health should rain set in, contacted NZ Police again. An NH90 helicopter from RNZAF Base Ohakea left for the Tararua Ranges by 4am. 'The next thing I heard, it was about was about 4.30am, the chopper coming through. They took Winnie up first, which was lovely. They were very thoughtful and brought a specific bag for the dog. 'As soon as I got in the chopper I was given the best hot chocolate I've ever had in my life. They gave me a Crunchie bar and put a heated pack down my front.' After landing at Masterton's Hood Aerodrome, Mr Graham was assessed by medics who found early symptoms of hypothermia had begun to affect his feet. It was an emotional journey out of the ranges and Mr Graham was 'pretty happy' to be flown to safety. He said he was looking forward to seeing his wife and their one-year-old baby. No.3 Squadron NH90 pilot, Squadron Leader Andrew Stewart, said Mr Graham had done the right thing by taking a personal locator beacon with him which meant they were able to fly almost directly to him. 'When we arrived he shone his torch so we could see him easily.' The terrain was steep with bluffs directly below Mr Graham, so it was a potentially dangerous situation for him to have lost his bearings. The cloud was thick and low, sitting on the eastern side of the ranges, Squadron Leader Stewart said. 'The temperature was pretty much on freezing – it was 0.5degC when we were up there where he was.' Mr Graham wanted to pass his thanks to the NH90 crew and Police who helped him in the early hours of the day. 'I was pretty tired, but I really appreciated all the expertise from everyone. I can't imagine all the complexities of pulling together something like that at 4am. 'I'm just really grateful. And I hope the medic keeps tight hold of whatever recipe he has for that hot chocolate.' The rescue was medic Corporal Sam Wardhaugh's first time winching in a search and rescue mission since gaining his qualification a week earlier.
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Manawatū Projects Play Central Part In New Zealand's Future Infrastructure Strategy
The release of the Government's 30-year draft National Infrastructure Plan has delivered a strong vote of confidence in Manawatū's strategic importance to Aotearoa's future. Of the 17 nationally significant projects identified, six are located in Manawatū, a clear signal of the region's role in driving economic growth and resilience. These include: • Upgrades to NZDF facilities, housing, and roads • Continued development at Linton Military Camp • Completion of the Ohakea Base expansion • The vital enhancement of freight connections through the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road 'These long-term investments not only support regional growth — they underpin the strategic importance of Te Utanganui, Central New Zealand's Distribution Hub,' says Robbie Woods, Te Utanganui's Programme Director. 'They represent the next chapter in building a resilient and future-ready national logistics network.' Located in the heart of the country, Manawatū is home to a significant proportion of New Zealand's defence operations. With Linton Military Camp and RNZAF Ohakea Base located here, the region is a key centre for both military readiness and the national supply chain. 'Development of the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road is one of the most critical enablers of supply chain resilience in New Zealand,' adds Robbie Woods. 'It is the next step in the national corridor that includes Te Ahu a Turanga and the planned Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway, connecting central New Zealand to the capital, and enabling the movement of goods, people, and defence capability.' The National Infrastructure Plan strongly aligns with the vision for Te Utanganui – a nationally significant programme of integrated projects that will accelerate economic growth and unlock new regional and national opportunities. CEDA and its regional partners support the draft plan and urge others to do the same, recognising the need for a strategically integrated pipeline of projects that position New Zealand for a stronger, more connected future. A recently commissioned economic impact report on Te Utanganui highlights the scale of potential benefit at both regional and national levels and the Indicative Business Case for the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road is now underway. 'We have the plan. We have the momentum. Now is the time to back this investment and make it happen,' said Robbie Woods. KEY MESSAGES Te Utanganui is a future-focused programme of coordinated investments that will make New Zealand's freight network faster, safer, and more resilient - supporting economic growth across the country. Expansions to the business zones within Te Utanganui are attracting private investment and creating high-quality, large-floorplate industrial land, allowing logistics businesses to co-locate, operate 24/7, and lift productivity. With major NZDF facilities located here, the investment will support defence mobility and logistics, cementing Manawatū's role as a strategic hub for both military readiness and commercial freight. Unlocking Freight Efficiency Through Manawatū The Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road is the linchpin of Te Utanganui, enabling faster, more efficient movement of goods and reducing congestion in urban areas creating safer roads. With major NZDF facilities located here, the investment will support defence mobility and logistics, cementing Manawatū's role as a strategic hub for both military readiness and commercial freight.
RNZ News
04-07-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
Royal New Zealand Air Force establishes first dedicated space unit
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone The Royal New Zealand Air Force has established its first dedicated space unit, within a squadron that hasn't been active since World War II. The No. 62 Squadron - which originally supported Allied operations with radar technology during World War II - was reactivated today at a formal ceremony at the RNZAF Base Auckland. Defence Minister Judith Collins said it reflected the government's commitment to protecting the country's interests and security in the "rapidly evolving space domain." "Space is vital for modern life. We rely on space-based infrastructure for a range of critical services, from weather observation to financial transactions. "This is an important signal that we're taking space security seriously." The unit's initial focus will be on monitoring, analysing, and understanding space activity to "safeguard national and international interests," she said. "Recent global developments have highlighted the need for resilient, advanced defence capabilities." Collins said this was part of the work the Defence Force is doing to maintain a "combat-capable, flexible" force. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Kiwis in Israel not taking option to leave: MFAT
RNZAF C-130J Hercules Aircraft departs RNZAF Auckland Base for the Middle East. Photo: NZDF/Jalesa Normani via RNZ New Zealanders in Israel are not taking up the opportunity to leave, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The message to New Zealanders in Iran and Israel has been to do everything they can to leave, if they can find a safe route. But a MFAT spokesperson said the ministry was not receiving requests from New Zealanders in Israel seeking to depart. "We arranged a land evacuation option for New Zealanders in Israel yesterday, however, no New Zealanders took up that option," they said. A New Zealand Defence Force C130-J is enroute to the Middle East to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel. Where the plane will be based is not being disclosed for security reasons, but it is expected to arrive by Friday local time. The plane is a contingency for when airspace in the region reopens. The number of New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Iran is 139, while 110 are registered in Israel. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said there were "more coming out of the woodwork in Iran". "But then [in] Israel, we're seeing a lack of desire to move, so we maybe should be focused far more on Iran's circumstances," Peters said. Peters said New Zealanders in Israel wanted to "stay in situ" but noted their circumstances had changed. Defence Minister Judith Collins reiterated the message for people to leave if they could. "If people don't want to leave, they have to understand that we can't go in and get them out," she said. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour said it was currently "very challenging" to get people out of Iran. There were also ongoing disruption to phone and internet connectivity, although MFAT would continue to attempt to contact people registered with SafeTravel by phone, email, and WhatsApp.
