Our search and rescue crews are volunteers, out there in all kinds of weather, year-round, saving lives on the water. The work they do is almost entirely funded by our amazing donors, like you.
Volunteers give their time, skills, and heart. Your donation makes every rescue possible.
Each year we need to raise over $30 million for the training, rescue gear, medical supplies and support that keep our volunteers rescue-ready.
Your generosity provides:
The difference we've made in the last year:
- 2,785 incidents were responded to
- 6,792 Kiwis were brought home safely
- 61 lives were saved because Coastguard was there
- 265,602 total volunteer hours
Source: Coastguard Performance Report 2025
Your donation, big or small, one-off or monthly, keeps this lifesaving chain strong.
A routine fishing trip became a nightmare at the Motunau Bar. Nic and the boys fought the waves, and held on until Coastguard volunteers brought them home.
"As soon as the lights come, it was like God arriving. It was like, 'we're going to come out of this'. Really is the best moment of my life, I reckon."
This rescue is a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change on the water, and how vital it is to have volunteers who are ready to respond the moment someone calls for help.
Your support ensures families like Nic’s can rely on Coastguard when it truly matters.
You may receive a call about donating monthly from Cornucopia, a trusted Coastguard partner who manages our monthly donation calls. They’re helping connect with amazing New Zealanders who keep our volunteers rescue‑ready.
Your donation helps fund specialised training, rescue equipment, fuel, boat maintenance, and the operational support our volunteers need to save lives on the water. Every donation helps ensure crews are ready to respond the moment someone calls for help.
A one-off donation provides immediate support for current rescue needs.
A monthly donation through Team Rescue gives Coastguard steady, reliable funding to keep volunteers trained, equipped, and mission-ready all year.
Cornucopia is a trusted Coastguard partner who helps introduce Kiwis to Team Rescue, our monthly giving community. If you receive a call from Cornucopia, they’re contacting you on our behalf to talk about supporting Coastguard. They will never ask for your online banking password and will always direct you to official Coastguard donation pages.
Yes. Coastguard is a registered charity in New Zealand, and donations of $5.00 or more are eligible for a tax credit. You’ll receive a receipt you can use for your tax return.
Absolutely. All donations are processed through secure, encrypted payment systems. We do not store your credit card details.
Yes, you’re in full control. You can update, pause, or cancel your monthly donation at any time by contacting our support team.
Yes. You’ll receive an email receipt immediately after donating. Monthly donors receive an annual receipt summarising their contributions.
Coastguard is a charity powered by volunteers. Each year, we need to raise over $30 million to fund training, boat maintenance, fuel, rescue gear, and volunteer support. Donations are essential to keeping Kiwis safe on the water.
Every rescue, every safe return, and every hour our volunteers spend on the water is powered by people like you. We regularly share stories, stats, and updates so you can see the direct impact of your support.
Yes, many supporters choose to donate in honour of a loved one, boating mate, or Coastguard volunteer. Just let us know in the comments section of the form.
Simply email or phone us, and we’ll update your preferences. We respect your time and privacy and will only contact you in ways you’re comfortable with.
