Howick News

Two new Honorary Life members of CNR

Over 90 volunteers, supporters, and staff from all over the Northern Region attended CNR's AGM on Tuesday 20 July. Highlights from the evening include the presentation of two CNR Honorary Life Memberships and as CNR continues to embrace a "united Coastguard" philosophy, horizons were extended for this honor. Widespread commentary on our two nominees follows a consistent theme, the term "stalwarts forever" in many way sums it up. Both men have played integral roles in the development of their own units, have been outstanding in their commitment to boating education, and made significant contributions in their own way to the co-ordination and good relationships with neighbouring units. They have demonstrated over a long period of time the spirit that has got us to where we are today.

Basil Irwin

Basil Receiving his Award. Basil is a well-known friend to anyone who has been involved in Coastguard on the Hauraki Gulf. When you think Howick Coastguard – you think Basil! As Executive Officer for many years he has quietly got on with the job and Howick Volunteer Coastguard would have to be one of the most efficient, well-run units in the country without question. Basil was heavily involved in the sea scout movement, setting up Howick Sea Scouts in 1960. Many youngsters owe their love of the sea to Basil’s tutorship and enthusiasm over his more than 20 years involved with that movement.

His dedication to Coastguard has been immense, filling the roles of secretary, skipper, safety officer, education officer, and the person who is always at the shed when you call, and always been one of the first people responding to a callout. He has provided solid support to all the units on the Hauraki Gulf, and represented the Alliance members at many meetings.

Basil has made his mark in boating education, teaching Boatmaster, Day Skipper and VHF radio courses at the Howick base and local schools for more years then he’d care to remember! He served on the Boatmaster committee of CBES, and was one of the first MOT-approved Coastguard examiners for Boatmaster.

Basil has received many awards and accolades for his work – including the Noel Brown Memorial Award in 2001 and was the 2003 Howick Citizen of the Year.