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Boaties heading out from Mangawhai this summer can do so with extra peace of mind, knowing a dedicated Coastguard unit will be on hand should trouble strike at sea.
Until now, the Mangawhai coastline has been covered by the southern Kawau unit based at Sandspit and the Whangarei unit, based at Marsden Cove. That’s all set to change with the launch of a locally based service, officially blessed in a special ceremony at the Mangawhai Boating and Fishing Club on September 20.
Ngāti Whātua kaumātua Ben Hita led the blessing, which covered the waka Kōkako, the volunteers who will serve on board, and even the new Massey Ferguson tractor that will launch and retrieve the rescue vessel.
Mangawhai Coastguard president Ron Lucca praised the dedication of more than 30 local volunteers including three masters (skippers), who had spent countless hours training on and off the water during winter. “They are working hard to create a home for Kōkako to ensure she is always ready to respond,” he told invited guests.
While the Mangawhai Coastguard starts as a six-month “trial” unit, Lucca was confident of its future.
“There is no doubt in my mind it will become a fully-fledged unit in April – unless Coastguard New Zealand decides to bring that forward!” he joked. “We are going to not only meet, but exceed, their expectations.”
The unit has received strong backing from Coastguard NZ’s Northern support officer Jo Norgrove and the Whangarei team.
Coastguard NZ Board president Bennett Medary said Mangawhai’s establishment represented a new and promising model for the organisation. “It’s the first time we’ve worked so closely with the community, and it’s been very successful,” he said.
Medary also acknowledged the wider network of emergency responders, from fire and police to St John and Coastguard, describing them as “one team, out to support the community.”
With summer on the horizon and Mangawhai’s boating season about to hit full swing, locals and visitors can take comfort in knowing help is now right on their doorstep.
In an emergency call 111 or use VHF Channel 16. Call *500 for non-urgent on-water assistance
A Coastguard membership not only supports a worthwhile cause, it also gives members free non-urgent on-water assistance 24/7 for breakdowns, flat batteries, fuel issues and more. “We’ll get you up and running or back to shore safely without a steep towing fee.” Info: 0800 262 843 or info@coastguard.nz
