Dogs honoured for role in massive southern search operation

Two dogs were among those honored in an awards ceremony recognizing exemplary contributions to search and rescue missions from the previous year.

The canine duo received a Gold Award as part of a team that conducted a 20-day search for Hector Gaston Artigau, an Argentine tourist who went missing on the Rob Roy Track in Mt Aspiring National Park on Waitangi Day last year.

Search and rescue dogs Lochy and Bandit captured attention at Parliament on Tuesday night as their role in the search for Artigau was highlighted as one of the region’s most intense operations.

Volunteers dedicated over 800 hours to the search effort, with the specialist dogs joining towards the final stages.

The collective efforts were acknowledged with the Gold Award, which was presented to Wanaka Search and Rescue, Land Search and Rescue Search Dogs, Aspiring Helicopters, Police National Dive Squad, and the Otago Lakes Police SAR Squad.

Dog handler Bridget Martin emphasized the collaborative nature of the award.

“It recognises everybody,” she stated.

“The incident management team, the canyon rescue, the swift water rescue, the helicopters, the foot soldiers.

“Yes, the dogs are there, but they are a very small part of a massive effort.

“So when you take that recognition, you always take it on behalf of your whānau and also the person’s whānau that you’re looking for.”

Another dog handler, Dave Krehic, previously received an award for organizing a private search that uncovered the remains of tramper Irina Yun in Otago’s Dart River in 2009.

“Back then 15 years ago I really wanted to promote specialist teams working together with dogs and that’s what I did 15 years ago, but I did a private job,” he said.

“But now we’re here 15, 20 years later getting an award for our team efforts and it’s just so special for me.”

The awards were presented for the second time by Associate Transport Minister James Meager.

“Each of these awards tells a story of the extraordinary lengths and efforts people have gone to, to help those in their time of need. I believe they celebrate the very best of New Zealand: our people, culture, values, and connection to the outdoors,” Meager said.

“It’s very special for me to be here to help celebrate them, to make sure they know that we recognise the work that they do, and we support them – and particularly to have it here at Parliament, I think, recognises how special we think they are.”

Although Artigau has not been found, Meager emphasized the importance of celebrating the volunteers’ efforts.

“We still need to recognise and celebrate the fact that they are out there doing their very best to get our loved ones home.”

In addition to Operation Artigau, two other Gold Awards were given to individuals who have made significant contributions to search and rescue over the years – Keith Allen and Carolyn Tapley.

Seven Certificates of Achievement were also awarded.