Coastguard Raglan
Unit Finalist
Coastguard Raglan has had an outstanding year, contributing 8,700 volunteer hours, 2,300 training hours, attending 52 incidents, and returning 105 people safely to their families. The unit has a focus on long-term sustainability with a waitlist of motivated volunteers.
Operational excellence is achieved through intensive weekly training, MOSS drills, practical SAR scenarios, and a well-maintained training matrix, including 4 Coastguard Rescue Vessel Masters, 13 Rescue Water Craft Masters, and NZSAR leadership-qualified members. Notable rescues - including one where volunteers saved a severely impaired 13-year-old - highlight the unit’s skill, dedication, and ability to manage complex emergencies.
The unit actively collaborates with Coastguard national support office, other Coastguard units, SAR partners, and stakeholders, participating in multi-agency exercises and regional safety initiatives. Their community engagement is also extensive, with workshops, public events, bar crossing programs, and lifejacket promotions reaching over 4,000 boaties.
Coastguard Sumner
Unit Finalist
Coastguard Sumner has delivered 127 years of lifesaving service, operating in some of Aotearoa’s most challenging coastal conditions. With three purpose-built rescue vessels and a highly trained volunteer crew, they respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, saving more than half of all lives rescued nationally by Coastguard in 2023/24.
Their strong governance, strategic planning, and sustainable funding ensure long-term resilience. The unit also fosters a positive, inclusive culture and maintains deep ties with SAR partners, iwi, and the local community.
Coastguard Sumner leads in innovation, trialling Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and contributing to projects such as ‘Emily B Drifter’ which uses GPS-tracked devices to study ocean drift patterns and support search and rescue efforts. Their outreach includes safety education, public events, and support for local causes. Volunteers span generations, and their commitment to training, wellbeing, and collaboration sets a high standard.
Coastguard Wānaka Lakes
Unit Finalist
Coastguard Wānaka Lakes have had a standout year, blending operational precision with strong leadership and deep community ties. Volunteers responded to 24 incidents, assisting 66 people, supported by rigorous training, MOSS drills, and smart maintenance systems. A new shore-based team has sharpened coordination and boosted incident response.
Strategic planning and sound financial management have ensured long-term sustainability, with healthy reserves and ongoing asset renewal.
Partnerships with Police, LandSAR, and Emergency Management Otago have flourished through joint exercises like SAREX and Wakatipu. The unit also provided water safety cover for six major events, ran workshops for over 300 locals, and delivered boating safety education to schools and Scouts.