Not all rescues take place above ground. At the centre of the largest and most complex cave rescues ever attempted was Dr Michael Brewer. In 2007, the local doctor was trapped and injured two kilometres underground, cavers from all over the country were flown into Nelson to extract him from the little explored cave system in the Takaka Hills.
Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.
Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.
Archive recordings supplied thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and Vision