Michael Kern
Coastguard Hibiscus
Michael has been a volunteer since 2018, quickly becoming a reliable and highly skilled crew member. His calm, methodical approach and attention to detail make him an invaluable asset on the water and behind the scenes. Michael consistently demonstrates strong helmsmanship, including precise vessel handling, confident navigation under pressure, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Notably, he expertly led volunteers during a challenging mayday response to a yacht stranded on a bar, coordinating the crew and navigating challenging conditions to ensure a safe rescue.
He mentors newer crew members and supports continuous improvement in emergency operations. Off the water, Michael manages the unit’s finances with precision, leads governance reviews, and coordinates fundraising and community engagement activities. His professionalism, reliability, and dedication ensure both operational readiness and the long-term sustainability of the unit, making him a highly respected and trusted member of the team.
Matt Chapman
Coastguard Auckland
Matt has demonstrated exceptional helmsmanship and rapid growth in just two years with Coastguard, contributing across all three of the unit’s vessels. He shows strong vessel handling, navigation, and communication skills, consistently applying Standard Operating Procedures with calm precision in challenging conditions. Matt brings a dual skillset with extensive LandSAR experience which equips him to handle emergencies confidently both on and off the water.
He is a natural team player and emerging leader, noted for his composure during high-pressure rescues over the past year, where his technical skill, clear communication and emotional intelligence have stood out.
Peter Herrick
Coastguard Nelson
Peter is a highly skilled and respected Master with more than 1,900 sea hours, including 1,600 at the helm, earned across 13 years of service with Coastguard Nelson. Operating in one of the most expansive and demanding Coastguard regions, Peter has developed exceptional vessel handling and navigation skills.
His calm, inclusive leadership inspires confidence, turning each time on the water into a learning opportunity that builds crew capability and experience. He promotes experiential learning, leading safety drills and scenario-based exercises that embed a safety-first culture. Peter is known for his calm and composed demeanour, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
Beyond operations, he has served as Treasurer, led community outreach through Rotary, and strengthened regional Coastguard capability.