Our search and rescue crews are volunteers, out there in all kinds of weather, year-round, saving lives on the water. The work they do is almost entirely funded by our amazing donors, like you.
Volunteers give their time, skills, and heart. Your donation makes every rescue possible.
Each year we need to raise over $30 million for the training, rescue gear, medical supplies and support that keep our volunteers rescue-ready.
Your generosity provides:
The difference we've made in the last year:
- 2,785 incidents were responded to
- 6,792 Kiwis were brought home safely
- 61 lives were saved because Coastguard was there
- 265,602 total volunteer hours
Source: Coastguard Performance Report 2025
Your donation, big or small, one-off or monthly, keeps this lifesaving chain strong.
A routine fishing trip became a nightmare at the Motunau Bar. Nic and the boys fought the waves, and held on until Coastguard volunteers brought them home.
"As soon as the lights come, it was like God arriving. It was like, 'we're going to come out of this'. Really is the best moment of my life, I reckon."
This rescue is a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change on the water, and how vital it is to have volunteers who are ready to respond the moment someone calls for help.
Your support ensures families like Nic’s can rely on Coastguard when it truly matters.
You may receive a call about donating monthly from Cornucopia, a trusted Coastguard partner who manages our monthly donation calls. They’re helping connect with amazing New Zealanders who keep our volunteers rescue‑ready.
