Daring Mt Ruapehu rescue recognised at Search and Rescue Awards 18 May, 2021 05:00 PM 3 minutes to read A daring mission by 22 rescuers atop Mt Ruapehu in September last year has been recognised at the annual New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards. Photo / Supplied A daring mission by 22 rescuers atop Mt Ruapehu in September last year has been recognised at the annual New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards. Photo / Supplied Whanganui Chronicle Faced with freezing temperatures, gale force winds and pelting rain, a group of 22 rescuers worked for almost eight hours to rescue an injured climber on Mt Ruapehu in September last year.