The Manawatu Volunteer Coastguard can replace the outboard motors of its rescue vessel thanks to a recent grant from
NZCT.
The $32,000 grant is a significant contribution towards the $49,000 needed for the project. The remainder will be
provided by the coastguard and selling the existing outboard motors.
The Manawatu Volunteer Coastguard is based at Foxton Beach and services a long stretch of coastline from Otaki Beach in
the south up to Tangimoana in the north. There are many boaties in the area and last year the volunteer crew brought 79
people home safely from 42 incidents on the water.
The NZCT grant is vital to the coastguard maintaining 24-hour marine search and rescue services in the Manawatu region.
“This funding is very important,” says Secretary Trish Huisman. “Without it we would be unable to replace the outboard
motors on our primary rescue vessel. We need to be able to go near and far at all times without motor troubles.”
The Manawatu Volunteer Coastguard has 19 crew, including five skippers. Another four crew are training to become
skippers. Many of the volunteers live in the Foxton area which makes the crew’s response time very quick. Other
volunteers come from as far as Levin and Palmerston North.
“It’s an enjoyable organisation to be a part of,” says Trish. “The crew are supportive of each other and work great as a
team. We all enjoy fishing too and most of the crew have their own boat. We love helping out our community and those in
need.”
All the volunteers realise the significance of the grant. “The news spread around the crew pretty fast and there were
many hugs and high fives. We are so excited the application was successful, and we thank NZCT very much for this kind
donation,” says Trish. “It is perfect timing to replace the outboards as the boating season is starting to slow down.”
“NZCT are fantastic. They helped fund our rescue vessel back in 2012. Everyone there is very easy to approach, and the
Manawatu Volunteer Coastguard could not do what we do without them.”