Students found safe and cold after going missing in the Kaimais
The group of ten students aged 11and 12 years old were on an orienteering exercise when they failed to return to back to the Ngamuwahine Lodge at lunch time yesterday.
Police and search and rescue staff searched an area in the lower Kaimai rangers near the Ngamuwahine lodge where the group were camping.
The students were found just after 7.30pm by search and rescue teams on the ground
Police said the group were happy to see the rescue team and despite being a bit cold the students were found safe and well and happy to be found.
One parent who did not want to be named said she couldn't stop thinking the worst.
"Once we got news that our darlings had been found i was so glad. The rescue teams did an awesome job and we are very grateful and im pretty sure this is an afternoon no one will forget in a hurry."
"I think my son will go back to school tomorrow" She said.
The Tauranga Trustpower Tect Rescue helicopter alongside the Auckland based Eagle police helicopter assisted in the search.
Time Line: ( approximate times)
12.35pm - Students failed to return to Ngamuwahine Lodge
1.30pm - Ground search conducted by Intermediate school staff and parents
3.35pm - Call to Police and search and rescue
3.50pm - Land search underway
4.20pm - Trust Power Tect Helicopter called in to assist
6.30pm - Police helicopter 'Eagle' assisted with further aerial search of the western rangers
7.15pm - Ground crews discover fresh tracks
7.35pm - Rescue ground crew locate missing party
9.50pm - Students and rescue teams emerge from bush
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