Coastguard North Shore celebrates 30 years saving lives at sea

Coastguard North Shore, one of New Zealand’s busiest volunteer units, is celebrating its 30th anniversary – three decades of saving lives at sea and supporting boaties out on the Hauraki Gulf. 

Established in 1991 as North Harbour Sea Rescue out of Browns Bay, Coastguard North Shore volunteers are out on the water most weekends, responding to a full array of incidents. In the past 10 years alone, the unit has responded to 2,111 calls for help and assisted 5,679 people, 31 of which would not be alive today if it weren’t for North Shore volunteers. Generations of Kiwis exist because Coastguard North Shore was there, ready to help in any way possible. 

Over its 30-year history, Coastguard North Shore has also played an integral role in Coastguard governance. In the old Coastguard Northern Region, volunteer Jodi Foster was the first female President while Joe Davis held the helm as the youngest President. Matt Rea-Rankin has also served on regional, national and Boating Education boards – and is currently Head of Support Functions at Coastguard New Zealand, while also giving his time to volunteering. 

Coastguard New Zealand CEO Callum Gillespie said the unit is one of most reliable and responsive on the Gulf and its volunteers both past and present should be proud of their achievements to date. 

“Saving lives at sea takes a true collective effort. Over generations, Coastguard North Shore have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to helping others, no matter the circumstances. The unit’s strong culture welcomes all everyone in their local community and this underpins their determination to keep Kiwis safe on the water,” he said. 

Coastguard New Zealand congratulates Coastguard North Shore on its 30 years of hard volunteer mahi – ensuring Kiwis are safe out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf!

ENDS

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