The R.A.T.S team recruits for new members every one to two years to maintain between sixteen and thirty members. The team is always looking for more skilled and enthusiastic volunteers to join the team.

We have a recruitment philosophy that focuses on individuals with a can-do attitude, the ability to fit into the team and the willingness to commit to the training schedule. This schedule includes a Wednesday evening and Saturday morning three out of four weeks each month.

You don't have to come to the group with rescue skills - all required training will be provided. Every member of the team relies on their fellow team members in extreme circumstances, so we are selective of who joins the team. The essential qualities we are looking for when selecting new members include:

  • Team player
  • Can have fun but also knows when to draw the line
  • Can-do attitude 
  • Relatively fit (we rely on gravity a lot)
  • Willingness to learn
  • Live in the Canterbury area (but able to come to training in Christchurch)

We have a recruitment process that has an application, recruitment information evening, recruitment weekend and probationary period leading to team membership.

If you are interested in finding out more,  fill out the form below and we'll get in touch. It would be useful to let us know why you want to become a R.A.T (It's not a test and we don't want essays.)

For information on volunteering with your local Counci's Civil Defence volunteer team, check out our Volunteering page. If you don't live in Canterbury, the below link provides an overview of response teams in operation in other areas of New Zealand. 

New Zealand Response Teams

R.A.T.S expression of interest form

Most of our regular trainings and meetings are held in Christchurch.


If you're not willing and able to travel for trainings and exercises, it will be difficult to participate as a volunteer.