Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is progressing plans for a trial unit in Mangawhai, marking a significant step toward strengthening search and rescue (SAR) coverage and improving boating safety along Northland’s coast.
The trial, which runs to April 2026, will assess the operational and community feasibility of establishing a permanent Coastguard presence in this fast-growing coastal community.
Over the coming months, Coastguard will establish a temporary base, rescue vessel and equipment, and begin volunteer-led operations supported by Coastguard staff. The unit is expected to be operational in time for the 2025-26 summer season.
Through to April 2026, the trial unit will respond to incidents, participate in training exercises, and work closely with local emergency services to build capability and community trust.
“This trial is a major milestone – not just for Coastguard, but for the safety of every boatie, local or visitor, who ventures out on these waters,” says Coastguard Northern Regional Manager Jonny Bannister.
Mangawhai’s coastal waters have seen a steady rise in recreational boating and SAR incidents, with at least nine callouts in the past five years. Challenging local conditions, including the hazardous Mangawhai Bar and limited shelter from swells – significantly increases the risk for boaties.
“During winter, if someone is reported overdue, there is a real risk they could succumb to the elements before a Coastguard rescue vessel from Kawau or Whangārei can reach them,” Bannister says.
In June last year, Coastguard Whangārei rescued three men in the early hours of the morning after they were forced to abandon their sinking boat near the Hen and Chicken Islands, southeast of Whangārei. In incidents like this, a Mangawhai-based unit could potentially respond faster than one from Whangārei, highlighting the need for a localised search and rescue presence along this stretch of coast.
A community survey conducted in January showed 73% in support of the trial, with strong backing from Kaipara District Council.
“Mangawhai has long been identified as a critical gap in our national SAR network, and with strong community support and the trial now underway, we’re taking important steps toward a safer future for everyone on the water,” Bannister says.
The trial will be evaluated across several key areas, including response times, environmental impact, and operational viability. Findings will inform a final decision on establishing a permanent unit.
This initiative is part of Coastguard’s national strategy to address key gaps in the country’s maritime emergency network. In June 2024, the government committed $8 million to strengthen SAR coverage in high-need areas including Mangawhai.
