Ignite the Future:
Start Your YSAR Journey Today!
Welcome to the official webpage of YSAR, where we explain how to start up a new branch in your region.
We invite you to join us in creating and growing YSAR branches as we expand across New Zealand. By becoming part of this incredible journey, you can play a vital role in shaping the next generation of volunteers and contributing to the long-term success of the SAR and Emergency Management (EM) sectors.
At YSAR, we understand the importance of succession planning and investing in the future. Starting a new branch in your area is a strategic approach to building capacity and capability, not just locally, but also within the wider SAR and EM community. By establishing a YSAR branch, you become a catalyst for change, paving the way for a young, energetic, innovative, and diverse cohort of future volunteers.
Our organization is driven by a passion for passing on knowledge and skills to the next generation. We believe that the institutional knowledge accumulated by experienced members of SAR and EM should not be lost but rather built upon. By joining YSAR, you have the opportunity to share your expertise and mentor young individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to their communities.
Starting a YSAR branch in your region is not just about creating a local presence; it’s about making a lasting impact on the SAR and EM landscape of New Zealand. By fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and learning, you are actively shaping the future workforce of SAR and EM, ensuring that our nation’s emergency response capabilities continue to evolve and thrive.
Whether you have years of experience in SAR and EM or are just starting your journey, YSAR welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who share our commitment to service and community. Together, we can build a network of YSAR branches across the country, united by a common purpose and a shared passion for making a difference.
Join us today and be part of the YSAR movement. Together, we can create a brighter future for SAR and EM, empower the next generation of volunteers, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Start a new YSAR branch in your region and let’s embark on this exciting journey of growth and development together.
YSAR New Branch initiaTion process
ABOUT YSAR
YSAR Calendar Year
The YSAR year starts mid-February and operates through to the end of the 3rd school term. In addition there is a 5 day end of year Search and Rescue exercise. The delivery of the programme is designed to support students during their busy exam commitments in the 4th term.
Our Students
The YSAR student demographic is diverse and needs to reflect the community demographics where your group is located.
We have found that when the group is diverse, cultural perspectives can inspire creativity and drive innovation and keep communities safer.
YSAR prides themselves in having a balanced gender ratio.
National Relationships
YSAR continue to develop agreements at a National level to strengthen relationships and build capacity at the local and regional level. These relationships include but not limited to;
· NZSAR Council and Ministry of Transport
· Ministry of Education
· Ministry Youth Development
· National Emergency Management Agency NEMA
· NZ Police PNHQ Community engagement and Police SAR
· LandSAR NZ
· Coastguard and Boating Education
· NZ Defence
· AREC
· Outdoor Recreation
· Sport NZ
· FENZ
HOW WE OPERATE
YSAR LMS
The programme is supported by extensive online content, hosted in world-leading LMS (Learning Management System) application – CANVAS.
Significant investment in this education platform has ensured a dynamic, interactive and authentic learning experience for students, while also providing consistency in resources and approach across instructors and branches as we grow.
Watch an intro video here.
Equipment
All branches are provided the necessary
equipment for running your group including;
· Digital communications hub for radio and telemetry network;
Radios, repeater base sets on digital DMR and chest harnesses.
· Internet modem for weeknight and weekend training
· GPS’s for training
· ArcGIS Pro Advanced licenses for all students and instructors through
Eagle Technology and GIS for Schools programme
· Focus Live tracking interface and equipment for field exercises
· Computers for IMT and administration
· YSAR MS Teams environment
· RPAS – drone for training and innovation projects
ABOUT YSAR
YSAR Calendar Year
The YSAR year starts mid-February and operates through to the end of the 3rd school term. In addition there is a 5 day end of year Search and Rescue exercise. The delivery of the programme is designed to support students during their busy exam commitments in the 4
Our Students
The YSAR student demographic is diverse and needs to reflect the community demographics where your group is located.
We have found that when the group is diverse, cultural perspectives can inspire creativity and drive innovation and keep communities safer.
YSAR prides themselves in having a balanced gender ratio.
National Relationships
YSAR continue to develop agreements at a National level to strengthen relationships and build capacity at the local and regional level. These relationships include but not limited to;
- NZSAR Council and Ministry of Transport
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry Youth Development
- National Emergency Management Agency NEMA
- NZ Police PNHQ Community engagement and Police SAR
- LandSAR NZ
- Coastguard and Boating Education
- NZ Defence
- AREC
- Outdoor Recreation
- Sport NZ
- FENZ
HOW WE OPERATE
YSAR LMS
The programme is supported by extensive online content, hosted in world-leading LMS (Learning Management System) application – CANVAS.
Significant investment in this education platform has ensured a dynamic, interactive and authentic learning experience for students, while also providing consistency in resources and approach across instructors and branches as we grow.
Watch an intro video here.
Equipment
All branches are provided the necessary
equipment for running your group including;
- Digital communications hub for radio and telemetry network;
Radios, repeater base sets on digital DMR and chest harnesses. - Internet modem for weeknight and weekend training
- GPS’s for training
- ArcGIS Pro Advanced licenses for all students and instructors through
Eagle Technology and GIS for Schools programme - Focus Live tracking interface and equipment for field exercises
- Computers for IMT and administration
- YSAR MS Teams environment
- RPAS – drone for training and innovation projects
Our commitment to you
YSAR Trust will support the startup of new branches through administration, training of volunteers and support to operational delivery.
YSAR will provide a branch support administrator BSA to work with you to build capacity of your new branch during the year prior to taking new students. This support will continue once the branch has been established. They will work with you in the following areas;
- Identify 3 committed and dynamic leaders to build capability to run YSAR in your area
- Training volunteers
- Identifying training facilities and risk assessment
- Child protection training and vetting your volunteers
- Purchasing resources for you branch
- Establishing your Local operation support committee
- Compiling an operational budget for the year
- Local advertising and media relations
- Support in building partner relationships
- Support in interviewing prospective students
- Familiarising your Team with YSAR systems and processes
- Support for operational delivery administrator
where to from here?
Please follow these instructions:
- Fill in the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
- Once you have signed the NDA, you will be given access to the YSAR intranet and TEAMS environment.
- Use the provided access to navigate to the Induction Hub on the YSAR intranet and start the induction process.
- Focus on building a dynamic, positive team that believes in investing in the future through youth development.
- Decide on the leader who will spearhead this new and exciting venture.
- Ensure that you have a team of three committed individuals for the startup project. It is preferable to have a gender mix within the team. Consider individuals from SAR, EM, lead agencies, outdoor education, education, or tech specialists as potential leaders.
- Once you have assembled the team, complete the “Starting an new Branch” form and we will schedule a meeting to discuss the next steps.
- If possible, participate in a weeknight training exercise or attend a scheduled training exercise to gain firsthand experience of what YSAR is all about.
We are excited to embark on this journey with you.
