About Us

The team was setup to support our communities in times of need

Background

Established in 1988, NZ-RT5 has been Auckland's North Shore based response team for over 30 years. as a light urban search and rescue team under the North Shore City Council to support other local emergency services.

The team was officially registered as a national response team - New Zealand Response Team 5 (NZ-RT5) on 21/05/2004 to undertake light urban search and rescue (USAR) activities across the country, assisting the heavy USAR teams.

As part of the local government amalgamation, the team is now funded and managed by Auckland Emergency Management in Auckland Council. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) helps coordinate the Response Teams nationally which are generally managed by local civil defense organisations.

Training for the team is held every Tuesday night at the north shore base, which includes theory and practical applications of relevant skills to keep current on competencies. Additionally all team members undertake formal training and certification to ensure the team meets the national standards required by NEMA for accreditation and registration.

Members are trained in various aspects including specialist strands such as:


Members are trained in various aspects including specialist strands such as:

  • Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS)

  • Risk Management

  • Traffic Control

  • Vehicle Recovery

  • Chainsaw Operation

  • Flood Rescue

  • Evacuation and medical triage


  • Flood Rescue

  • Working at Heights

  • Rope Responder Rescue

  • Portable Pumps Operation

  • Helicopter Support

  • 4 Wheel Driving

  • Urban Search and Rescue

  • Health and Safety

  • Pre Hospital Emergency Care

  • Comprehensive First Aid

  • Radio Communications

  • Emergency Response Driver

  • Land Search and Rescue

  • Storm Response

  • Stress Management

  • Personal Fire Safety