Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

I am writing to seek clarification regarding the use of emergency lights and/or sirens under the emergency services provisions of the Land Transport Act.

Specifically, I would like to understand whether Search and Rescue organisations — for example Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR), Surf Life Saving Search and Rescue (Surf SAR), and Coastguard — are considered emergency services under this legislation, and whether this classification permits the use of emergency warning devices (lights and/or sirens) when responding to a search and rescue callout.

I am particularly interested in whether such use is permitted for the purpose of responding more rapidly to a SAR incident.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
John