Aotearoa, September 8 2025 - From remote coastlines to scenic lakes, Coastguard volunteers are the unsung heroes keeping people safe on the water. They respond to calls for help, save lives, and support their communities to build strong connections with the water.
Today, Coastguard is proud to announce our finalists for the 2025 Volunteer Awards of Excellence, an annual celebration of the people whose dedication, skill, and heart make Coastguard what it is. Finalists are represented from across the motu - from isolated communities to busy boating hotspots - and acknowledge their outstanding contribution to our lifesaving mission.
“These awards are about recognising the incredible people who give their time, energy, and expertise to help others,” says Carl McOnie, CEO of Coastguard Tautiaki Moana. “Whether they are out on the water or working behind the scenes, our volunteers sacrifice time with their loved ones to ensure others get safely home to theirs.”
Congratulations to all our finalists! Winners will be announced on September 22.
Operational Crew Member of the Year: Recognising crew members who have significantly contributed to the operational success of their unit, showcasing outstanding skills, reliability, and a commitment to safety.
Michael Kern (Coastguard Hibiscus)
Matt Chapman (Coastguard Auckland)
Peter Herrick (Coastguard Nelson)
Communications/Incident Management Volunteer of the Year: Recognising excellence in the performance of Radio Operators and volunteers working in Incident Management roles that support search and rescue and Coastguard operations.
Fiona Rist (Coastguard Hibiscus)
Bo Baines (Coastguard Marlborough)
Jason Bartlett (Coastguard Riverton)
Outstanding Leadership Award: Recognising those who make a difference and lead the way. These volunteers are held in high regard for the leadership, initiative, and commitment they bring to their unit and Coastguard.
Trevor Farmer (Coastguard Mana)
Reinhard Wirtenberger (Coastguard North Shore)
Paul Psaila (Coastguard Auckland)
Unit Support Volunteer of the Year: Recognising excellence in supporting roles such as board or committee roles, shore crew, training officers, secretaries, and other non-operational volunteers.
Jeff Benson (Coastguard Lake Taupō)
Heather Boon (Coastguard Whakatāne)
Stephen Jarvis (Coastguard Queenstown)
Emerging (Young) Volunteer of the Year: Recognising a volunteer under 30, with less than five years of service, who demonstrates the commitment and dedication of an outstanding volunteer, and who has already made a significant contribution to their unit.
Leah Sinton (Coastguard North Shore)
Ryan Spence (Coastguard Marlborough)
Holly Coplestone (Coastguard South Taranaki)
Reuben Haigh (Coastguard Riverton)
Rescue of the Year: Rescue of the Year is a prestigious award that recognises an exceptional rescue crew who has undertaken an outstanding search and rescue effort or Coastguard operation.
Coastguard Auckland – Missing diver at Bland Bay
Coastguard Sumner – Cliffside rescue by sea
Coastguard Auckland – Multi-rescue operation
Unit of the Year: Recognising the unit who in the past year has achieved excellence in all aspects of its management and operational activities.
Coastguard Raglan (President Wally Hawken)
Coastguard Sumner (President Blair Quane)
Coastguard Wānaka Lakes (President Jonathan Walmisley)
Unit Innovation of the Year: Recognising exceptional creativity and innovation within our organisation. This award is new in 2025.
Coastguard Auckland – Sea-Flux implementation
Coastguard Queenstown – Crew engagement system
Coastguard Nelson – Communications upgrade
Coastguard Wanganui – New vessel procurement
Community Engagement Unit of the Year: Recognising excellence in the areas of public relations, fundraising or community engagement by an individual or unit.
Coastguard Nelson (President Annette Nistor)
Coastguard Queenstown (President John Quinn)
Coastguard Canterbury (President Mark Leggett)
