10 Questions with Fiona Read
Senior Constable Fiona Read has served more than 13 years with the Manawatu Police SAR Squad. Based in Levin, she is a youth services officer, and a founder of the Wāhine Toa program for women affected by family harm.
What sparked your interest in the outdoors?
At high school, a teacher I respected encouraged me to sign up for the tramping option during ‘activities week.’ We tramped in the Tongariro National Park and I just loved it. Later on at school we had the opportunity to do more tramping in the Nelson Lakes region, which cemented my love for the outdoors.
How did you get involved with search and rescue?
I saw a Police recruiting ad on TV, which showed a lost tramper being stretchered out down a river valley and it really struck a chord with me. I joined the Police in 1993 and got on the SAR Squad in 1995. I moved away from Levin in 1998 but came back on the squad in 2010 when I returned.
Did you notice much change when you returned to SAR?
Absolutely! There was a major improvement in structures to support SAR, both in Police and Land Search and Rescue. Training and procedures were more formalised, with much better documentation to refer to. Plus there were clear progression pathways to allow volunteers to develop their skills.
How did you become an SAR incident controller?
I began working in the incident management team, just to fill gaps. I’d never had the aspiration to become an incident controller. I didn’t think I was capable to be honest! But with the right people being supportive, you get to recognise the skills you have and build up your own confidence. They nudged me to get on the right courses, and I was able to grow into the role from there.
Can you tell us about a memorable operation?
They’re all memorable, but for different reasons! There’s always something you’ll learn which you can apply to future jobs. Responding to Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawke’s Bay was an eye-opener! We were one of the first Police SAR squads to be deployed in the Pakowhai Road area, helping people off rooftops into helicopters and boats. It was a pleasant surprise to end up working with friends from the Horowhenua Surf Club, some of whom were also Land Search and Rescue volunteers. The foundation of trust and confidence in each other was extremely helpful during that difficult operation.
What other aspects of Policing are you involved in?
My main role is with the Horowhenua Youth Aid team, both prosecuting young offenders and working to support the community to prevent youth crime. I have a strong interest in the family harm space, and founded a program called Wāhine Toa to help out the women affected.
Can you tell us more about Wāhine Toa?
With my colleague Liz Woodley, we founded the program in 2016. It is a full weekend where 10-12 women participate in indoor workshops, and outdoor education sessions. I’ve been able to use skills learnt through SAR and the outdoors to challenge and empower these women to rise above the negative experiences they’ve had. There’s a fantastic team of volunteer women who instruct alongside us on the courses. I’m really grateful for the time and passion they bring to the program. Likewise, we’re humbled to have funding support from the Horowhenua New Zealand Trust.
What do you do in your time off?
Something active! I enjoy trail running, indoor netball, and getting out tramping with my friends. With family, there’s always the ‘mum-taxi’ to sports activities, but I really enjoy taking them away camping on the weekends. We’ve got a favourite little spot on the eastern side of the Tararua Range, with great camping, good walks, and a safe swimming spot in the river. It's the perfect way to wind down from everything else going on in life.
What’s one of the best things about SAR?
Seeing people come together to help others in their time of need. The whole community rallies to help respond to serious operations and it creates a very special atmosphere. It is very humbling work.
What would you say to other women aspiring to develop their involvement in SAR?
First put the right support people around you, and then back yourself to do it! I feel its really important to put yourself out of your comfort zone if you want to develop. I’ve recently applied for a SAR Managers course in Australia; being surrounded by experts from overseas will be a little intimidating, but that just means I’ve got so many opportunities to learn and grow.
This article was first published in the June 2023 issue of Link magazine.