Injured Trampers in Tararua Ranges

Palmerston North Search and Rescue are attempting to rescue two injured trampers from Te Matawai Hut in the Tararua Ranges.

The trampers are part of a group of three teenage girls and an adult that walked from Mangahao Dam yesterday to the hut.

Two of the party have injured knees and are unable to walk out.

The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter attempted to fly in this morning to uplift the injured pair and drop off a Horowhenua SAR member to guide the remaining teenagers out tomorrow.

The helicopter was hindered by low cloud and rain and was only able to take the SAR member as far as South Ohau Hut. He will complete the remaining 3km to Te Matawai Hut on foot.

Police will wait for a break in the weather before attempting to return to extract the injured parties who are comfortable at the hut with sufficient food and equipment.

Communications with the group has been difficult because they have been using cellphones which are often unreliable in the back country.

Police would like to remind hunters and trampers that they should ensure they have a reliable form of communication with them, the most reliable being radio.

The Mountain Radio Service provides radios for hire which are monitored 24/7 by radio enthusiasts.