On 17 December 2025, Coastguard Mangawhai completed its first official rescue, responding to a vessel in distress near Wahine Bay, southeast of Hen (Taranga) Island.
At 10:47am, the National Operations Centre received a call about a 25-foot vessel taking on water in rough seas. Five volunteers launched Kokako Rescue and secured three people and three dogs. Due to worsening conditions and a broken hatch, towing the vessel back was unsafe, so the crew brought the passengers and dogs ashore, while Coastguard Whangarei’s Circa Rescue towed the vessel to Marsden Cove.
Crew member Duncan McKenzie said the team was well-prepared for the tough conditions, and their training paid off. The rescued passengers were
very grateful, with one expressing thanks for being a Coastguard member and wanting to donate.
This was Mangawhai’s first callout since becoming operational in November, reflecting a strategy to improve coverage in areas with
growing marine activity. Mangawhai is a popular spot for water activities, making a local Coastguard presence increasingly important.
