Since arriving on the scene at the end of 2002, SARINZ has developed rapidly and is now widely recognised both around New Zealand as well as overseas. We hope the following will provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

Who is SARINZ?

SARINZ is the Search and Rescue Institute New Zealand. It consists of two parts - the SARINZ Trust and SARINZ Ltd.

What does the SARINZ motto mean?

"Helping others save lives".  Exactly what it says. SARINZ only exists to support SAR people in New Zealand providing the SAR service. 

Where do the ideas come from?

SARINZ is a knowledge based organisation and your biggest input may be in generating bright ideas. Sound line and sound light line searching were developed in New Zealand because people took the time to share ideas while looking for better ways to search. New ideas will come from people such as you at the sharp end.

SARINZ Trust FAQ

What is the Search and Rescue Institute New Zealand Trust?

The Trust was been set up for charitable purposes to support and provide  education in SAR. Its function is to operate in the background supporting search and rescue through such activities as:

* Training & qualification

* Primary and secondary research in SAR as a basis for education

* Development of new ideas, systems and procedures

* Services support

 
Why a charitable Trust?

A charitable trust provides a long-term structure that is independent of the people involved in the activities. Being a charitable institution allows it to return all its funds to the benefit of the public good in  SAR related matters.

 
Who are the Trustees?

A group of respected SAR people from around New Zealand have agreed to take on the role of Trustees. These are Dr Jack McConchie, Roger Bates, Alan Gillespie, Roger Barrowclough and NZLSAR nominated Trustee, Barry Were.

What is their role?

We view the Trustees as the "wise ones" who make sure the legal obligations of the trust are met and to ensure funds are applied back to SAR education.

SARINZ Ltd. FAQ

What is the Search and Rescue Institute New Zealand (SARINZ) Limited?

SARINZ Ltd is a registered company that is owned by the SARINZ Trust. It exists to carry out the Trust's wishes and is the operational arm of SARINZ. Its constitution requires the Directors to operate in the best interests of the SARINZ Trust, so that what it does is ultimately designed to help you as a part of Search and Rescue in New Zealand.

How is SARINZ Ltd funded?

SARINZ Ltd, as wholly owned subsidiary of SARINZ Trust is a charitable organisation. The majority of its income is generated via training courses, client fees or consulting contracts. Tailored courses and projects are usually partially or fully funded by client organisations.

As a registered Charitable Trust, SARINZ Trust is funded by dividends generated by the company (SARINZ Ltd). This is in turn reinvested into SAR.  Additional funding is sourced via donations from philanthropic trusts or individuals who are supportive of the SARINZ charitable purpose. 

Why is it a limited company? Does this mean it is set up to make profits?

It is a Limited company to offer some protection to those operating it - the same way that LandSAR is an incorporated society.  We certainly hope the company makes a profit. Remember that all profits will be passed to the owner, the SARINZ Trust for putting back into SAR. This is a legal requirement of the Company and provides a totally new, uncommitted stream of revenue to support search and rescue in New Zealand.

Who runs SARINZ Ltd?

A board of Directors assisted by contracted programme managers oversees SARINZ Limited and staff are contracted or employed by the company to provide its services. Between the trustees and the directors there is a huge amount of outdoor and SAR operational experience and include four ex chairmen of NZLSAR (or its predecessor) as well as a raft of other qualifications and experience.

Training FAQ

What is a Workshop?

A workshop is face-to-face instruction/assessment activities often included as a part of a course, set on a specific date. In many cases workshops occur in the weekend. Periods surrounding workshops are referred to as pre or post workshop. Workshops are a component of a course, and an instructional/assessment methodology designed to give students supervised practical application of studied theory or content covered in the course.

What if I am found NYC on a course?

NYC merely highlights that one of the following situations has likely occurred;

1. You have yet to complete the Reflective Practice competent of the course. And/or...

2. You failed to submit the required evidence/assessment task. And/or...

3. You missed part of the course due to unforeseen or prior engagements (eg: could not attend the evening session due to family commitments etc).

It is relatively straight forward to change your NYC result to a C (competent). Check your manuscript for why you were found NYC. Did your course have a reflective practice component? Were you present for the duration of the course? Still not sure why you were found NYC, then email support@sarinz.com and we will respond outlining why you were found NYC and what you need to complete to be found Competent. For a more detailed explanation on this issue click here.

What is Reflective Practice?

Reflective Practice is a form of debrief for yourself. It is designed to improve personal and industry practice and to imbed a culture of recording, reflection and review in the SAR sector. It always helps to think about what has been done and how we can improve it. Click here for a more detailed explanation

International FAQ

Does SARINZ work with overseas organisations?

Yes, SARINZ wishes to be at the leading edge of SAR. SARINZ Ltd has already completed arrangements with a number of overseas organisations and is actively pursuing other opportunities with the worlds leading SAR players.

 
Does SARINZ Ltd trade overseas?

Our core business is in New Zealand and the Trust will always be limited to support SAR in New Zealand. However, it is well recognised that the skills and knowledge exist within New Zealand to make SAR an export business, which will enable us to earn revenue overseas and return any profit to benefit Search and Rescue in New Zealand.