Sign In / Register
Summer’s not even really started yet, but Kawau Volunteer Coastguard is already busy on local waters with regular callouts to rescue boaties in distress.
The crew’s job has recently been made that much quicker and easier this year, though, thanks to a new berth at Sandspit Marina.
Previously, the Kawau Rescue vessel was kept in a fenced compound next to the Sandspit Wharf carpark and had to be towed by tractor to get in and out of the water.
However, the 10.3-metre Naiad has now moved to Pier A10 in the marina, where it sits on a new floating AirBerth boat lift, which keeps it clear of the water and negates the need for anti-fouling treatment to the hull.
Coastguard Kawau president David Vale said obtaining the AirBerth was made possible by grants from the Four Winds Charitable Trust, Pub Charity and Coastguard NZ.
“The new home is a logical progression as we move from the tractor and trailer, beach launch set-up to a safe, secure and more reliable operation,” he said. “And importantly, our callout response times have been reduced.”
Vale said the move was also timely as Kawau continued in its bid to buy a new $1.5 million replacement boat, fundraising for which is continuing slowly but steadily.
One of the latest initiatives to boost funds is the regular Silver Fox Coffee & Cars events started last February by self-confessed petrolhead Richard Wooders, together with Omaha real estate agent Di Balich.
The monthly rallies run through spring and summer at popular local venues such as Sculptureum and Matakana Village, attracting pristine classic, muscle and vintage cars from near and far.
For all but the first event, Coastguard volunteers have come along to shake buckets, sell raffle tickets and even display their own beloved vehicles to boost their funds, though they don’t always get to stay for the whole show.
Wooders said for the last two events, half the crew had been called away to callouts in the first hour.
“Last Sunday at Omaha Golf Club, four of them had to disappear,” he said. “But we’re happy to support them, as they always send a fair bit of manpower and theirs is a big project, wanting to buy a new boat.”
Wooders added that he and Balich were conscious that many locals including themselves could be in need of Coastguard’s services, not least since he was keen to buy the old rescue vessel once a new one had been bought and Balich had her own amphibious boat.
Funds aren’t the only thing Kawau Coastguard needs to effectively cover its extensive patch of the Hauraki Gulf, however – more crew are also always needed.
Secretary Jane Elliott said they faced similar challenges to many groups that rely on volunteers.
“It’s that issue where we’re all getting older and those who are younger have got family and work responsibilities,” she said. “It’s quite a commitment that a lot of people don’t feel that they can make.”
For those who did sign up, however, there were many benefits, Elliott added.
“The ones we do catch and who come along, they find it almost addictive because there’s the thrill of having an important job to do – saving people’s lives – and working as part of a team.
“It’s quite a teacher of team work, thinking quickly, being creative and it’s challenging, even if they’re just towing someone home.”
Donations towards the new boat can be made at https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kawau-volunteer-coastguard
Info: https://www.coastguardkawau.org.nz/join-the-crew or Kawau Volunteer Coastguard on Facebook
