Carolyn Tapley, a volunteer with Coastguard Canterbury and board member of Coastguard New Zealand, has received a 2026 New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Gold Award for Support Activity. The award recognises her leadership, fundraising, governance, community partnerships, and commitment to water safety.
A highlight of her contribution was helping secure $2.5 million to replace the earthquake-damaged Coastguard Canterbury base in Lyttelton. She has also strengthened partnerships with iwi, local government, the Royal New Zealand Navy, funders, and the wider community.
A Coastguard Canterbury volunteer since 2013 and Coastguard New Zealand board member since 2022, Tapley has also supported volunteer welfare, health and safety, mentoring, and water safety education.
Coastguard New Zealand CEO Carl McOnie said the award reflects Tapley’s outstanding contribution to Coastguard and the wider search and rescue sector. The awards were presented at Parliament in Wellington.
