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Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Search and rescue dog trainer recognised
There are many ways to serve a community, and Cantabrian Ron Ealam has been doing it for the last few decades at least with trusty dogs at his side. On Monday, the Oxford man was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his work with Land Search and Rescue over more than 50 years. For half of that he has been working with rescue dogs - developing the official search dogs training programme and becoming a national trainer and assessor. "I just quite enjoy being out there, and to actually train a dog up to achieve what we've achieved is just quite amazing," he told RNZ. He brought with him Skyla, a border collie beardie cross - one of those he has trained over the years. "They're actually a light, a very light dog that can work pretty good hours and just stop and have a rest and keep going again, and they're just full of energy." Rescue dogs were trained to recognise human scent, Ealam said. "We train them initially right from when they were a pup to indicate and follow human scent, which are skin follicles that fall off your body."And not every dog has a nose for it, he said. "It's just a matter of finding a dog that has got a good nose, and we developed that and enhance their natural ability… they're pretty amazing... once they pick up a scent, they lock onto it and they'll just stay on it." One of his most memorable rescues was an early one at Lake Kaniere in the South Island. "We got a call at 11 o'clock at night for a missing multi-sport runner at Methven, and we drove through the night and we got to Methven about six o'clock in the morning and they put us in a helicopter and took us up onto the tops. "And we searched down for probably four to six hours, and then my dog indicated on the footprint that went down a creek, and we followed the scent down to the last party and she was there - she was very cold. "And I can always remember my dog sort of cuddled up to her." The woman was airlifted out by helicopter. The full King's Birthday Honours list To be Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Ranjna Patel for services to ethnic communities, health and family violence prevention Emeritus Distinguished Professor Alison Stewart for services to plant science and the arable sector Catriona Ruth Williams for services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport To be Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mark Leslie Smith Cooper, KC for services to the judiciary Brendan Jon Lindsay for services to business and philanthropy Ewan Francis Smith for services to Cook Islands business and tourism To be Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Catherine Joy Andersen for services to the music industry Wayne Robert Boyd for services to business, philanthropy and sport Professor George Charles Clifton for services to structural engineering Anthony Edwin Falkenstein for services to philanthropy and business education Steven Leonard Joyce for services as a Member of Parliament Donald Angus Mackinnon for services to sports governance Professor Emeritus Ian George Mayhew for services to the veterinary profession, especially equine medicine Dr David Edwin McKee for services to New Zealand Sign Language and the Deaf community William Charles Nathan for services to Māori Dr Lesley Kay Rameka for services to Māori and early childhood education Ruth Margaret Richardson for services as a Member of Parliament and to governance Dr Ai Ling Tan for services to gynaecology Dr Mark Greenslade Thomas for services to people living with HIV/AIDS and antibiotic research To be Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Emeritus Professor George David Baxter for services to physiotherapy and health Gillian Lorraine Bohm for services to health Associate Professor Philip Michel Jose Brinded for services to psychiatry Fergus Graham Brown for services to the tourism industry Graham Vincent Brown for services to the venison industry David Paul Burton for services to food writing Peter Hardy Ballantyne Carty for services to fly-fishing Suzanne Noreen Cato for services to music, television and education Hohepa Conrad for services to Māori, particularly kaupapa waka Peter Michael de Blois for services to music Dr Celia Jane Devenish Giddings for services to women's health and education Sophie Frances Monique Devine for services to cricket Judith Mary Dobson for services to the community, broadcasting and historical preservation Professor Bernadette Kathleen Drummond for services to dentistry and education Daryl Kelvin Eason for services to wildlife conservation Susan Elizabeth Elliott for services to the arts and governance Rear Admiral James Leslie Gilmour, (Rtd) for services to the New Zealand Defence Force Kirk Brian Hardy for services to drug abuse prevention and education Dafydd (Dai) Morgan Henwood for services to the entertainment industry and charitable fundraising Professor Patria Anne Hume for services to sports science and injury prevention Gary Rodney Lane for services to conservation and philanthropy Julia May Marshall for services to children's literature Peter David Martin, JP for services to the community, particularly Pacific and LGBTQ+ communities Murray Graham Mexted for services to rugby David Ross Morgan for services to aviation Panchanatham Narayanan for services to multicultural communities Peter Arnold Nation for services to the agricultural industry and governance Gillian Christine Naylor for services to rural communities, particularly women John Daniel O'Sullivan for services to business and philanthropy Dr Fiona Dorothy Pardington for services to photography Dr Susan Parry for services to gastroenterology David Robert Percy for services to fire safety technologies, business and the community Eric Clive Power for services to swimming Timothy Grant Southee for services to cricket Gail Patricia Spence for services to language education Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley for services to sociology John Bradley Struthers for services to cycling, the cycling industry and business Mark William Joseph Vela for services to mental health care and education Jennifer Mary Wake for services to theatre and television Neil William Walker for services to primary industries and the community Sarah Louise Walker for services to BMX and sports governance Dr Richard John Wild for services to animal welfare and the veterinary sector Portia Louise Woodman-Wickliffe for services to rugby Wayne Wright for services to education and philanthropy To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Anae Lupematasila Lima Arthur John Anae for services to the Samoan community Ellesse Mote Andrews for services to cycling Richard Balcombe-Langridge for services to business Catherine Juliet Bell for services to food education Dr Santosh Prasad Bhandari for services to the Nepalese community Darryl Bishop for services to mental health Victor Kenneth Boyd for services to survivors of abuse in care Anna Catherine Cottrell for services to documentary filmmaking and migrant communities Simon Eric Denny for services to art Welmoed (Chris) Duggan for services to science education Ronald Bruce Ealam for services to Search and Rescue Robert Tuahuru Edwards for services to the community and governance Susan Ann Elley for services to education Terri Jayne Fairhall (Terri Middleton) for services to the New Zealand Police and the community Allison Daphne Christina Franklin for services to people with disabilities Okesene Uili Galo for services to the Tokelau community Rez Gardi for services to refugees and human rights advocacy Alan Charles Gilmore for services to astronomy Francis Quinn Goldingham for services to outdoor recreation and seniors Elizabeth Helen Graham for services to Māori and education Patricia Pearl Gregory for services to the fashion industry Aaron Mark Halstead for services to Search and Rescue and the tourism industry Dr Nina Emilia Hood for services to education Lesley Mary Huckins for services to swimming Meleua Enda Ikiua for services to Vagahau Niue language and education Martin Kaipo for services to social services and the community Lalita Vanmali Kasanji for services to the IT industry and the Indian community Brian Patrick Kelly for services to broadcasting William James Kermode for services to governance and philanthropy Pamela Margaret Kilmartin for services to astronomy John Junior Kumitau for services to the Pacific community Laurinne Marion Laing for services to sports and people with intellectual disabilities Ross James Lawrence for services to the ski industry Lisa Li for services to the tourism industry James Eric Lilley for services to conservation and the community Janet Crystal-Lee Lilo for services to the arts Pauline-Jean Henrietta Luyten for services to rugby and the Pacific community Reverend David Elliott Major for services to the community and the State Ngatepaeru Marsters for services to midwifery and Pacific communities Lloyd James McCallum for services to the dairy industry and the environment Suzanne Michelle McFadden for services to sports journalism and women Ian Robert Flockhart McKelvie for services to local government, governance and as a Member of Parliament Grant Allan McMillan for services to education and the community Victoria Mary Mee for services to women and business Eugene Joseph Meredith for services to American Football Allan George Mincher for services to aviation engineering Margaret Mary Mitchell for services to the Royal New Zealand Naval Women's Association Dr Alishia Rangiwhakawaita for services to Māori culture Dr Malcolm George Davis Mulholland for services to health and Māori Khoa Truong Nguyen for services to New Zealand-Vietnam relations and the community Julia Louisa Pearse for services to governance and the community Sunit Prakash for services to the IT industry and the Indian community Dr Maxine Mariri Ronald for services to breast cancer treatment and research Gary James Herbert Rooney for services to business and philanthropy Bruce Winston Ross for services to cycling Charles Edward Ross for services to the community Morrin Jackson Rout for services to the arts, particularly literature Simon John Caufield Strombom for services to war commemoration and historical preservation Veronica Ngarutai Kaye Thompson for services to basketball Diane Anita Turner for services to governance, seniors and Māori Hariata Ann Vercoe for services to Māori, health, and the community Louise Annette Wallace for services to the entertainment industry Andrew Norman Williamson for services to agriculture Marilyn Kay Yeoman for services to education and the community Honorary To be an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Viliami Teumohenga for services to education and the Pacific community To be Companions of the King's Service Order: Dr Christopher Evan Longhurst for services to survivors of abuse in care Tyrone Marks for services to survivors of abuse in care Phillip Wayne Paikea for services to the prevention of family violence and the community Dover Spencer Samuels for services as a Member of Parliament Peter William Tipene for services to Māori The King's Service Medal Heather Jayne Baldwin for services to the community Tina May Barrett for services to the community Debra Ann Bell for services to the community Narendra Bhana for services to the Indian community Marius Jean Bron for services to Search and Rescue and the community Judith Marion Browne for services to the community Julia Mary Castles for services to language education and migrant communities John Albert Coleman for services to the community and sport Lily Coleman for services to the community and sport Ross Melville Cooper for services to rugby Margaret Jean Cousins for services to local government and the community Glenda Gaye Davies for services to the community Aperira Ngahau Davis for services to the community Deborah Grace Davis for services to the community Gavin Lloyd Dennis for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community Edwin John Eeles for services to pipe bands Anthony William Norman Enderby for services to conservation Jennifer Fay Enderby for services to conservation Zora Estelle Feilo-Makapa for services to the Niue community and the arts Penelope-Jane Frost for services to children and social work Christine Ada Gilbertson for services to midwifery Kaiaho (Butch) Kereama Green for services to music Heidi Elizabeth Griffin for services to the arts and the community Allyson Teresa Hamblett for services to people with disabilities and the transgender community The Venerable Sohim Hay for services to the Cambodian community Katerina Hauhaua Hepi for services to Māori language education Nicola Linda Hickey (Nicky Rawlings) for services to Victim Support Luen Nanette Hoani for services to Māori language education Parminder Kaur for services to multicultural communities Kevin Francis Loe for services to the community and agriculture Timothy Peter Marshall for services to the community and waka ama Audrey Myra Mattinson for services to Scottish Country Dancing and the community Annie Elizabeth McCracken for services to the community Reverend Rosemary McMillan for services to the community Clem Burnard Mellish for services to Māori art and music Graham Frederick Charles Milligan for services to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Fergus Charles Denis More for services to the community and the law Graham (Kereama) Douglas Nathan for services to Māori Terence John O'Regan for services to nursing and the community Alison Isabel Perrin for services to the community and music Narayanan Kutty Pulloothpadath for services to ethnic communities Berry Jane Rangi for services to the community, particularly Pacific peoples Karen Elizabeth Richards for services to textiles history and conservation Papali'i Seiuli Johnny Siaosi for services to health and the Pacific community Rosemary Jan Sloman for services to the community Roberta Jane Smallfield for services to historical research and the community Alan (Curly) Rex Troon for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand Jacqueline June Watson for services to the community and the arts Dr Glenys Margaret Weir for services to health Merrilyn Joy Withers for services to youth and the Baptist movement Yuanyong Yang for services to bonsai and the Chinese community Honorary King's Service Medal Eteuati Fa'avae for services to the Pacific community Siesina Ofahelotu Latu for services to the Pacific community
Otago Daily Times
12-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
'Difficult decision': Search for missing tramper paused
Eli Sweeting. Photo: Supplied The search for missing British tramper Eli Sweeting, originally from Bristol, has been suspended. The 25-year-old was reported missing on 4 May after failing to return home from a hike up Mitre Peak, New Zealand. Acting Southern District Commander said this afternoon they made the "difficult" decision today to pause search efforts in Milford Sound for a tramper missing since last Sunday. "We have been supporting the tramper's family and we know this is difficult news for them to hear at what has been an incredibly distressing time." Police remained in frequent contact with the family. "While the search has now been paused, we will be reviewing our efforts and looking to see if there is anything further we can do." In the last six days police had carried out extensive searches in an extremely dangerous and challenging terrain. "We have focussed on searching the route used by climbers as well as an aerial search of the entire area using two helicopters and thermal imagery." Additionally a drone had also been deployed. A number of groups have assisted in this search which include: Land Search and Rescue groups from Southland and Otago, Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team support by a member of the Mount Cook Alpine Rescue team, two search and rescue dogs, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heliworks Queenstown and Real and the Dunedin Cliff Rescue team were deployed along with a Dunedin Surf Lifesaving team. Many individuals and organisations in Milford Sound contributed hugely in supporting the searchers. Our thoughts are with the missing man's family at this difficult time, police said.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Large-scale search for missing Brit in New Zealand
A "large-scale air and ground search" is continuing for a British hiker who has been missing for a week in New Zealand. More than 40 staff and volunteers are hunting for Eli Sweeting, who is originally from Bristol. The 25-year-old was reported missing on May 4 after failing to return from a solo hike up Mitre Peak, a steep mountain in Milford Sound area of Fiordland National Park on the country's South Island. New Zealand Police has said they "remain positive" despite the challenging terrain, which means at times they can only progress 250 metres (0.1miles) an hour. Helicopters, dogs and locals have been assisting with the hunt, and some of his family have also flown out to help. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol In a fundraising post, his sister Serena Sweeting described her brother as one of the "kindest, most compassionate people". "We just want him home safe," she said. The search party has been focusing on a route heading down the mountain after spotting a light there, but the dense area makes it hard for infrared cameras to detect any signs of movement. The operation was briefly halted on Wednesday and Thursday due to weather warnings, but resumed again on Friday and Saturday. Police confirmed this weekend there was "large-scale air and ground search effort planned for the coming days". The area where Mr Sweeting has hiking has incredibly steep rough terrain, but police said they remained hopeful as Mr Sweeting is an "experienced hiker". The police spokesperson added: "While the [man] has not yet been located, police remain positive as the search remains ongoing. "A Land Search and Rescue team stayed near Mitre Peak overnight to continue the search early this morning." Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Brit missing in New Zealand after mountain hike Man raises money for friend injured in Thailand New Zealand Police
Otago Daily Times
10-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Police 'remain positive' as search for tramper resumes
Eli Sweeting. Photo: supplied Police say they remain positive as a search in Milford Sound for a missing tramper resumes today. Briton Eli Sweeting, 25, failed to return from a day trip to climb Mitre Peak last Sunday, and police have been combing the area for him for the past week, as conditions allow. Police this morning said a Land Search and Rescue team stayed near Mitre Peak overnight to make an early start today. "While the tramper has not yet been located, Police remain positive as the search remains ongoing." They said about 40 staff and volunteers were taking part in the search today. Eli's family have flown in to help with the search, and police today said they thanked all those who had joined the effort.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Experienced Climber' Missing for 5 Days After Traveling on Solo Hiking Trip in New Zealand
25-year-old Eli Sweeting from Bristol, England, was reported missing after he didn't return home on Sunday, May 4 The "experienced hiker" went on a solo hiking trip to Mitre Peak in New Zealand Search-and-rescue efforts resumed on Friday, May 9, after weather halted plans on Thursday, May 8 A U.K. man has been missing for five days after going on a solo mountain-hiking trip in New Zealand. According to the BBC, 25-year-old Eli Sweeting from Bristol, England, was reported missing after he didn't return home on Sunday, May 4. Eli, who is described as an "experienced climber," went on a hiking trip to Mitre Peak in the Milford Sound area of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. In a statement on Friday, May 9, New Zealand police said they were resuming search-and-rescue operations after the weather halted their plans the previous day. 'Police are maintaining a positive outlook as search efforts continue,' the release read. 'Approximately 40 staff and volunteers are working in the Milford Sound area.' PEOPLE has contacted New Zealand police for further comment. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Authorities added, 'There is a large-scale air and ground search effort planned for the coming days, and we would like to acknowledge everybody assisting with the search.' 'Land Search and Rescue teams from across the southern region are working with a Dunedin-based LandSAR search dog, members of the Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team, the Dunedin LandSAR Cliff Rescue team and the Otago SAR squad and the Southland Amateur Radio Club,' the release continued. The police concluded, 'Our search efforts continue to be greatly supported by Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heliworks Queenstown and Real NZ.' A GoFundMe page to help with the search efforts for Eli has so far raised £9,288 ($12,339) out of a £10K ($13,285) goal. 'There has been a light spotted at a point along the route down the mountain and all efforts have been focused there,' Eli's sister Serena wrote on the page. 'Searches have had to be halted over Wednesday and Thursday due to weather warnings." "The challenges are that the Bush is so dense that it is hard for infrared to pick up any signs. Searches are due to continue from Friday 9th," she continued. Serena went on to write, 'My brother is an experienced climber and has hiked in this terrain many times. I also spend time in the mountains and know how incredible it can be up there, but how quickly things can change. It could happen to any of us.' 'Being in the mountains and adventure is what my brother lives for and he spends lots of time preparing for these adventures and training,' she added. The funds raised by the GoFundMe page will contribute to search-and-rescue teams and equipment needed, 'as well as seeking people who have drones who could support the teams as sometimes this type of equipment is limited.' Serena also said they would like funds to go towards 'New Zealand search and rescue and Alpine search and rescue and the Real New Zealand to say thank you and to aid them in the incredible life saving work they do.' Per the GoFundMe page, Eli's family has traveled to Milford Sound to help with search-and-rescue efforts. Read the original article on People
