South Taranaki Coastguard

26/09/2026

The team had a good morning spent doing some boat checks yesterday! 🛥️

With the busy season not far away, if you get the chance, pop your boat down to Scott Williams Motors Ltd (Auto Super Shoppe) for a once-over and make sure everything is good to go.

You can also drop off any expired flares you have and have a chat with Scott about call signs if you don’t already have one.

Always worth getting the little things sorted before the season gets busy! ⚓️🌊

25/09/2026

Ever wanted to join the South Taranaki Coastguard family? Now is your chance, because WE’RE RECRUITING!

Join the excitement, have the opportunity to learn and be apart of our life saving operations, all while being surrounded by the best people.

On the fence or got questions? Give Holly a call on 027 922 0089.

We’d love to have you around 🛟

Are you ready to answer the call to become a Coastguard volunteer? Select the region where you live and the Units who are currently recruiting volunteers will have their vacancies listed below.

22/09/2026

Boat checks on this Saturday team. And a reminder to take all your expired flares down to Scott and we will get them sorted for you. 🛟

16/09/2026

Our next Ohawe Boat Club boat check is coming up on Saturday 26 September, from 10am–12pm at Scott Williams Auto Super Shoppe.

While we’ve got everyone together, we’re also encouraging members to have a look at getting a Coastguard call sign if you don’t already have one.

As most local boaties will know, there are times when our South Taranaki Coastguard team isn’t available and calls are transferred through to the Auckland team. Having your own Coastguard call sign makes things a lot easier and it can be used anywhere in NZ.

It’s a one-off $60 for a lifetime membership.

Link below for anyone who wants to get one sorted.

And while you’re there, we’ll also have another raffle running for a Shimano rod and reel 🎣

See you there 👍

https://www.boatingeducation.org.nz/callsign-application/

15/09/2026

You wouldn’t believe it but….. a busy boating season is just around the corner!

Now’s the time to get your boat ready for summer!

🔧 Book a service, check your engine, replace old fuel and make sure your batteries, fuel lines and trailer are in good working order.

🛟 Check your lifejackets and safety gear are ready to go. And remember, from 6 October 2026 it will become law that everyone on boats 6m or less must wear a lifejacket while underway.

A little preparation now can make all the difference out on the water.

A throwback pic to our Skipper Scott Williams’ boat last season!
The birds didn’t waste any time moving in! Nests and debris inside your outboard can cause serious problems once the engine heats up. A recipe for disaster!

08/09/2026

Notice of
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our 2026 South Taranaki Coastguard AGM is scheduled for Saturday 12 September 2026 at 6:00pm.

For more information contact
📧 [email protected]
📱Gary Darnell - President, +64 27 531 5565

03/09/2026

In the past 25 years more than 330 people have drowned in a craft-related incident who were not wearing a lifejacket. A national, consistent rule is an incredible step for the safety of New Zealanders in the water. There’s no doubt this change will save lives.

So, what are the next steps?

The Bill needs to receive the Royal Assent, before it comes into effect 28 days later. It will be expected to come into force over the coming weeks, with the commencement date confirmed at Royal Assent.

The law will apply across New Zealand to people using recreational vessels such as
paddleboards, jet skis, dinghies, trailer sailors, and small motorboats while they are
underway.

Lifejackets save lives - so there are huge smiles at Water Safety New Zealand this morning. 😀

We could not be happier to see the Lifejackets on Recreational Craft Amendment Bill pass its third reading in Parliament late last night. This is a national rule mandating lifejacket use on boats 6m and under in size while underway.

Thank you to everyone, in every part of the water safety community, past and present who has advocated for this change. And to all you legends who took the time to make a submission in October and April.

The bill was drawn from the ‘biscuit tin’ in April 2025 – about ten years after former MP Alfred Ngaro drove it forward. We acknowledge the work of the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee in 2025 and 2026, Upper Harbour MP Cameron Brewer, and the Bill’s Sponsor Hon Dr Shane Reti.

In the past 25 years more than 330 people have drowned in a craft-related incident who were not wearing a lifejacket. A national, consistent rule is an incredible step for the safety of New Zealanders in the water. There’s no doubt this change will save lives.

So, what are the next steps?

The Bill needs to receive the Royal Assent, before it comes into effect 28 days later. It will be expected to come into force over the coming weeks, with the commencement date confirmed at Royal Assent.

The law will apply across New Zealand to people using recreational vessels such as
paddleboards, jet skis, dinghies, trailer sailors, and small motorboats while they are
underway.

As Dog says "Be A Legend, Always Wear a Lifejacket!"

Legends Live On.

(By chance - this makes Dog's limited edition print raising funds for water safety even more momentous, releasing the same week as this hugely significant change that will save lives, quite simply. Secure your slice of history! Link in bio)

30/08/2026

Some of the crew managed to get up the river yesterday at high tide for a little bit of training 🛟