Coastguard and Yamaha team up to support PASS waka ama success

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Auckland, December 13, 2023 - When Pacific Advance Secondary School (PASS) approached Coastguard to undertake a check on their recently donated waka ama support vessel, it was an easy call to help ensure it was fit-for-purpose and ready for launch.

Now, with the students recently finishing in fourth place at the 2023 World Distance Championships in Samoa, Yamaha have generously donated a 15HP outboard engine to ensure PASS can continue their inspiring waka ama programme long into the future. Coastguard New Zealand covered the vessel’s repairs as well as providing the school with a new trailer.

PASS co-Principal Ala'imalo Falefatu Enari said the students were thrilled that Coastguard and Yamaha were so generous with their contributions to their waka ama team.

“Waka ama is a vital part of our students connecting with their ancestral roots across the Pacific – but we also know how important safety out on the moana is, particularly now in the lead-up to summer,” he said.

Coastguard and PASS have developed a strong relationship in recent times with the school hosting a bar awareness seminar which was well attended by many across the South Auckland community.

Coastguard New Zealand Community Engagement Manager Natia Tucker: “PASS has an amazing waka ama programme, and we couldn’t be prouder to continue supporting our local community with not only the boat check but working with Yamaha to fit them out with a new engine,” he said.

“PASS have shown incredible investment in the safety and well-being of their students which should be congratulated. We’d also like to thank the Outboard Boating Club for their assistance inspecting the vessel and support for the school community.”

National Marketing Manager for Yamaha Motor New Zealand Peter Dick: “We know how important a reliable outboard on any vessel is, so we are proud to support PASS with their future waka ama endeavors. Our special thanks to Rhys at Fishing Boats NZ for refitting the vessel so fast,” he said.

ENDS

Contact:
Pete Dick
Marketing and Communications Manager - Yamaha Motor New Zealand Ltd
[email protected]

Ben Parsons
Coastguard New Zealand Senior Communications Advisor
[email protected]