Our Rescue Vessel
Meet Kawau Rescue, our Naiad rigid-hull inflatable built for tough conditions. At 10.3 metres long with twin 315hp Yanmar diesel engines and Hamilton jet units, she’s fast, powerful, and designed for safety. Cruising at 20–25 knots and reaching up to 32 knots, Kawau Rescue can cover our 6,500 sq km area with ease. With a range of 375 nautical miles and room for up to 12 people, she’s ready to respond 24/7, whatever the weather.
Our Team
We’re a crew of around 30 local volunteers who give more than 4,000 hours of our time every year to keep people safe on the water. Our patch stretches from Bream Tail in the north to south of the Mahurangi River, and we’ll head as far as the 12-mile limit – beyond Great Barrier and the Mokohinau Islands – covering about 6,500 square kilometres.
Our mission is simple: Saving Lives on the Water. We’re on call 24/7, 365 days a year, in all kinds of weather and water conditions.
Every year, we respond to over 100 callouts. Last year alone, we brought more than 220 people home safely. We work closely with the New Zealand Search & Rescue Centre, Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Hato Hone St John to handle life-threatening emergencies both on the water and along our coastline.
Want to join the team?
We're recruiting now - visit our website to apply.
If you’d like to learn more about Coastguard Kawau or have any questions, feel free to get in touch:
Unit President: [email protected]
Unit Secretary: [email protected]
