Northland Coastguard Air Patrol Inc.

23/11/2025

Our search for the missing person resumes in the morning.

This evening, Northland Coastguard Air Patrol volunteers supported Police in the search for a missing person after they fell from rocks at Tapotupoto Bay near Cape Reinga. We will continue to assist Police with aerial support as required tomorrow.

As the second major water incident in the Northland region in a week, our thoughts are with the missing person’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

15/11/2025

Late Friday evening a 17-20 ft motor-boat was reported overdue by family after not returning by 1900 hours. Two people were on board. Our air crew responded at first light.

What we did

• The mission began at 08:55 from our base, with a search area established along the coastline from southern Awahoa Bay, northwards up the Taiharuru Peninsula and outwards towards Motutara Island (Ngunguru).
• A systematic shoreline search was carried out followed by a creeping line search out to approximately five nautical miles.
• At 10:35 we located the target vessel (brown hull, white top) within the search area and relayed the coordinates to our surface assets.
• At 11:30 an additional target (an orange-coloured object) was located around Parauwanui Beach; again we reported the position immediately for surface units to attend. The air-crew landed at Whangārei at 12:35 for refuelling, then returned to base, landing at 13:15 after a total of 3.5 hours flying time, communicating via phone and VHF Channel 05 throughout.

Outcome

• Tragically, we confirm that one person was found deceased.
• One or possibly two other people remain missing and the search is ongoing.
• Our deepest condolences go out to the whānau of the person lost, and to their family and friends at this very difficult time.

Why this matters

• The speed, co-ordination and reach of our air patrol made a significant difference in locating the boat and object quickly, enabling surface and ground assets to respond.
• But this could not happen without the support of volunteers, community spotting, surface craft, and strong communications, all of which are essential to saving lives.
• If you’ve ever wondered how you could help, whether in the air, on the water, or behind the scenes, then volunteering with us matters. Every set of eyes, every asset, every hour adds up.

Call for volunteers

If you’re passionate about serving our coastal community, we’d love you to join us. You don’t need to be a pilot to help: we need people for mission-support, radios, coordination, logistics, training and more. Together we make our coast safer.

Thank you to all involved yesterday: our volunteers, the surface crews, the members of the public who reported and assisted, and all agencies working alongside us. Your time, dedication and skill matter.

Please keep the families affected in your thoughts, and if you’re heading out on the water this summer, make sure your boat, life jackets, communications, and trip plan are all sorted.

Stay safe.

19/10/2025

We enjoyed great views of the Celebrity Solstice in the waters off Pahia this morning 😍

19/08/2025

We are proud to announce that Top Energy have become a major sponsor of the Northland Coastguard Air Patrol, and we will now be known as TOP ENERGY RESCUE. Look out soon for our repainted Cessna 182 with the new branding.

17/06/2025

Over the past few weekends, Northland Coastguard Air Patrol have been patrolling our local and regional coastline. Several recreational boats were out enjoying a long weekend, as well as cars and bikes on our beaches, doing a spot of fishing. Did you see us?
We would like to acknowledge the sponsorship of Top Energy, Northland, and Coastguard NZ for supporting us in keeping our plane Top Energy Rescue in the air. Keep an eye out in the sky for new branding of our plane, Top Energy Rescue. Stay safe on the water Northland.

01/11/2024

On Wednesday a joint exercise was undertaken in conjunction with the NZ Defence Force, HMNZS Te Kaha, Coastguard NZ Operations Centre, Coastguard Bay of Islands and Whangaruru and Northland Air Patrol. The exercise objective was to enhance operational capability of all organisations involved.
The scenario involved a yacht on route to Opua from Fiji was taking on water and struggling to stay afloat. There were simulated casualties in the water in the form of man overboard dummies and red bouys. Units were tasked to find them, as well as be prepared to conduct helicopter winching with the Navel Aircraft.
Reports from Northland Air Patrol participants said it was a successful mission for all involved. Thanks to our volunteers, NZ Defence Force and Coastguard NZ.

22/10/2024

Northland Coastguard Air Patrol took flight early this morning, with four crew onboard. Our search aircraft, Cessna 182CGD was tasked with searching for a missing person in the Whangarei coastal area. After 2 and 1/2 hours of flying at low levels, CGD made a quick stop at Whangarei Airport to refuel. Crew took time to regroup and respond to a new task area, given by Police Search and Rescue. Another 2 and 1/2 hours was spent in the air on the second search, working in conjunction with a police boat crew and Circa Rescue. From the plane we were able to see right to the sea floor. Despite pristine search conditions, we were unable to locate the missing person. A new search begins tomorrow.