This website has been developed for those who are interested in finding out more about these amazing dogs, those who are interested in training a dog and those who are already involved.  We hope you can all find something useful on here.

The NZ USAR Search Dog Association is committed to the development of a USAR search dog capability for New Zealand.  USAR search dogs are a unique and incredibly valuable resource in the location of people trapped following the collapse of structures eg following earthquakes, tornados, landslides and other natural and man-made disasters. The fast and effective location of trapped victims has a major effect on their chances of rescue and recovery.

dog handling and training members


The overall goal is to have operational (certified) handlers and dogs available throughout New Zealand.  Below is a current list of our operational teams.  For more information on any of these teams please click on the dogs name and this will link to their individual profiles.

Handler Name

Canine

Certification Level

City/ Town

USAR Taskforce

Brenda Woolley

Easy

Operational

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Brenda Woolley

Boss

Advanced

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Brenda Woolley

Keepa

Advanced

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Graham Joseph

Tala

Advanced

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Janelle Mackie

Cairo

Advanced

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Linda Pike

Que

Advanced

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Linda Pike

Buk

Operational

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Tim Drennan

Boo!

Operational

Christchurch

NZTF-2

Tania Evans

Mocha

Operational

Auckland

(Waitakere)

NZTF-3

Sara Rad

Sasha

Advanced

Auckland

(AKL City)

NZTF-3

Nikki Smith

Vader

Operational

Auckland

(Franklin)

NZTF-3