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Plans for a new, purpose-built boat are under way at Coastguard Waiuku.
In March, the All Aboard Variety Show hosted by the Waiuku Lions kicked off the fundraising efforts, with $5500 raised towards the boat build project.
Coastguard Waiuku president Karl Dickey says the existing boat is nearing the end of its 20-year design life.
“A new boat will have a bigger range, more suited to the rougher conditions of the bar that we’re crossing all the time. Also, the vessels around the area are getting a lot bigger.” Having a larger boat to tow vessels will be easier and safer for Coastguard volunteers, he says.
“Our current seven-and-a-half-meter boat does a pretty good job, but it’s getting to its end of life, and it’s time to upgrade to something bigger to suit our current needs.”
The current boat is 15 years old, but Coastguard Waiuku wants to start the fundraising process early as it’s a big financial undertaking, Dickey says.
“A boat similar to what we would be hoping to build, recently cost $1.2 million so it’s a big commitment.”
Coastguard Waiuku was formed in 1973 after two drownings on the Waikato River. The unit’s area of operation includes the Waikato River up as far as Mercer, the Waikato River Bar, the West Coast up to 12 nautical miles out, and the Manukau Harbour and Manukau Bar.
Volunteers serve in different capacities depending on their skills, interests, and other commitments. Most people who volunteer for Coastguard want to make their contribution on the water, but there are also plenty of shore-based opportunities for volunteers to support their local community.
Dickey says winter is a good time to become a volunteer, training people before the busy boating season. The best way to sign up is via the Coastguard NZ website: www.coastguard.nz/support-the-crew/volunteer.
