Last year alone, Coastguard volunteers helped bring 7,196 people home safely. And they’re doing it from 61 different locations up and down the motu — from Houhora in the Far North to Bluff in the deep south.
Their work is as varied as the coastline itself. In Auckland (Central), volunteers logged a staggering 13,007 hours, responded to 302 incidents, and assisted 843 people. At the other end of the country, Bluff volunteers gave 2,693 hours of their time, helping 25 people across 8 incidents. Even in more remote regions like Houhora, the northernmost unit, 868 volunteer hours were contributed across 17 incidents — helping 34 people.
We’ve reported on recent rescues from Raglan, where Coastguard teams responded quickly to emergency situations off the Waikato coast. In Whangamatā, we’ve personally witnessed and benefited from the outstanding support provided by the local crew. In Napier, the unit is consistently active, reflecting the strong boating culture on the East Coast. Tragically, not every call ends well — the recent incident off Pātea, Taranaki, where two lives were lost, highlights the dangers our boaties can face and the importance of having skilled volunteers ready to respond.
This year’s Volunteer Week theme, Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together, couldn’t be more fitting. Coastguard’s volunteer network is a powerful example of community in action — ordinary Kiwis doing extraordinary work to help others.
And it’s not just about time on the water. From radio operators and air patrol crew to secretaries, fundraisers, and unit presidents, Coastguard offers roles for every skillset and schedule. Many units are run entirely by volunteers. Some hold multiple roles. Some have other jobs and families. All are united by one goal: saving lives at sea.
President of Coastguard Sumner, Blair Quane, says it best:
“Hanging around with a good group of people that get on with one another is really important… and it keeps you coming back every day.”
So whether you’re new to boating, a regular on the water, or just want to support your local community, there’s a place for you at Coastguard. You don’t need to be a seasoned sailor — just someone willing to help. Head to coastguard.nz to see how you can get involved.
This week, if you cross paths with a Coastguard volunteer — whether they’re in uniform or not — give them a wave, say thank you, or drop a in the comments online. They’re the quiet heroes of our coastline.
