Bay of Islands community to share in win as Coastguard prepares to welcome new rescue boat thanks to Lotto NZ funding

New Protector boat pays out double with retired vessel gifted to Ngā Waka o Te Tai Tokerau to support its work preserving kaupapa waka.

This Waitangi weekend, Coastguard Bay of Islands is set to welcome into Paihia a new waka to serve the local community - in the form of a brand-new Coastguard Rescue Vessel (CRV).

The special event, to be held on Saturday 5 February under COVID-19 Red Traffic Light settings, will see local iwi, Ngā Waka o Te Tai Tokerau and Coastguard New Zealand come together at the Waitangi Foreshore to bless the new vessel and officially handover Manaia Rescue. This event is an opportunity for all parties to recognise the value of gifting forward Manaia Rescue and what it means to Ngā Waka o Te Tai Tokerau and the Northland community as well as celebrating the future with the blessing of the Bay of Islands’ new CRV.

Courtesy of a $9.8 million lottery grant made possible by the millions of Kiwis who play Lotto NZ games each year, Coastguard Bay of Island’s new CRV is one of 26 high-spec craft that were first used as chase boats at this year’s America’s Cup. Now, with the support of Coastguard New Zealand, individual units and various community providers, these boats have been reskinned and refitted for Coastguard units across the country that had been identified as having ageing vessels and limited ability to fundraise.

For Coastguard Bay of Islands, the new boat will play an important role as the area’s bailment (relief) boat, on hand to cover areas within the wider catchment when additional capacity is required, starting with a brand-new location in Paihia.

“Having this fantastic new boat as our relief boat means we can deploy it around the region to other units that need it, to help save even more lives,” says Coastguard Bay of Islands President Phil Snowden said.

“We’re also extremely grateful that this will allow Coastguard to in turn gift Manaia to the Ngā Waka O Te Tai Tokerau who will use it in their work supporting kaupapa waka, nurturing its development as a living art.”

Coastguard New Zealand CEO, Callum Gillespie, is delighted that the partnership will benefit the wider community.

"The northern area is always a great summer location for boaties and to have this new vessel in a pivotal new location is really exciting and will no doubt help keep more Kiwis safe out on the water.

“Manaia Rescue has been a stalwart across several Coastguard units for a number of years. From North Kaipara to Whangarei, the vessel has saved numerous lives and performed admirably for its volunteers. It’s now time for Manaia Rescue to be gifted forward.

“Being able to donate Manaia Rescue to Ngā Waka demonstrates the roll-on impact that this partnership with Lotto and Emirates Team New Zealand has and how it can benefit our communities in so many different ways. We are delighted that Manaia Rescue will become part of Ngā Waka's ongoing work embracing the traditions and innovations of kaupapa waka, supporting the many trips around Aotearoa the crews make each year.”

Lotto NZ Chief Executive, Chris Lyman, says supporting the vital work of Coastguard units like the Bay of Islands is what Lotto is all about.

“Lotto NZ exists to generate essential funding for New Zealand communities – it’s why we do what we do. The positive impact these high-spec vessels will have on communities around the country cannot be underestimated, with each one helping Coastguard save countless lives at sea each year. This is a great example of how Lotto NZ is all about Kiwis helping Kiwis. "

The refitting of the boats from America’s Cup chase boats has been taken care of by original manufacturer RayGlass. Vital new additions include stainless steel framework and a full suite of accessories such as flare cameras, loudhailers, flashing lights, radars and cabinetry for pelican boxes, stretchers and first aid kits.

The boats may have lost their America’s Cup branding, but Emirates Team New Zealand CEO, Grant Dalton, says their involvement in this unique partnership remains a source of pride for the whole team.

“Coastguard are the unsung heroes of our waters around the country and so it’s great to see the fleet of vessels that supported us freshly refitted and taking to the water again to help them save lives.”

Ends

• Photos will be circulated to media after the event.

Background for editors:

• In partnership with Coastguard and Emirates Team New Zealand, a $9.8 million lottery grant funded 26 vessels to be used during the 36th America’s Cup, before they went on to become part of Coastguard’s fleet of rescue vessels.
• 100% of Lotto New Zealand's profits are distributed back to the Lottery Grants Board, providing a major source of funding for sport and recreation, arts and culture, environment and heritage and community projects throughout the country. 

About Coastguard

• Coastguard is a charity powered by over 2,000 volunteers in communities around New Zealand.
• Coastguard receives 30% of its funding from central government. The other $18 million is raised each year through the support of members, donors, funders and corporate partners.
• Last year Coastguard volunteers gave 291,402 hours to keeping New Zealanders safe on the water.
• Volunteer crew on rescue vessels, in our search aircraft and on the end of the radio have been dedicated to saving lives for over 150 years.

For more information, contact: 
Ben Parsons 
Coastguard New Zealand Senior Communications Advisor 
[email protected]