Heading to Mangawhai this summer? There's a new channel worth knowing about. If you're one of the many boaties who trailer the boat north to Mangawhai, there's now a dedicated local VHF channel to know about, giving boaties a direct way to log a trip report with Coastguard or call for help if something goes wrong.
Bar crossings are a dangerous activity and can turn a good weekend bad fast. Tune to VHF 74, log your trip, and head out with one more layer of safety behind you.
Based at the Mangawhai Heads Fishing Club, the new transceiver is another step in Coastguard Mangawhai’s growth as a fully operational local rescue service, now supported by around eight volunteers and its own rescue vessel, Kōkako Rescue.
The aim is simple: improve VHF coverage around the bar and inlet so boaties can log a trip before heading out and volunteers have a better chance of reaching them quickly if they get into trouble.
It's a welcome addition to a location that sees plenty of visitors all year round. The risks on the bar are well known, and a local VHF channel is another important development as Coastguard Mangawhai builds capability.
Before you head out, tune to VHF 74, log your trip report, wear a lifejacket and carry two waterproof ways to call for help, including one on you.
