Coastguard Tauranga came into existence in 1986, when it changed its name from the Tauranga Marine Radio Association, an organisation that had been in existence for around 50 years.  The rescue service was initially conducted using volunteers own vessels until the first dedicated rescue vessel was commissioned in 1986.

Since then the unit has got busier and busier, both on the water and in the radio room.  The unit has operated a 24hour radio service for over 10 years and bought its second smaller complimentary rescue vessel in 2002.