Rescue emergency support team

Palmerston North's rescue emergency support team (REST) is one of 18 nationally accredited volunteer crews in the country. Whether helping during extreme weather, civil defence emergencies or search and rescue, the Palmy REST team is there, ready and able to lend a hand. 

Our rescue team volunteers posing in hi-vis.

Providing support to emergency services

The team is run by Palmerston North City Council. It provides support to emergency services across the Manawatū region, as well as other locations in New Zealand when requested. In 2023 the team has supported Auckland during its floods, and Hawke's Bay and Palmy with the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Volunteers are trained for situations including:

  • civil defence emergencies
  • evacuation assistance
  • search and rescue
  • flood response
  • severe weather events
  • swift water and rope rescue
  • reconnaissance, impact assessment, survey and information gathering
  • community welfare. 

Have you got what it takes?

REST team members:

  • undergo regular training to maintain skills to the highest level
  • are committed and dedicated
  • complete nationally and internationally recognised qualifications
  • work well under pressure
  • enjoy working in a team environment.

Joining the team

From time to time we open applications for new team members. The best way to find out when applications open, as well as to find out more about what the team is doing, is to follow our REST page on Facebook. 

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