Coastguard Taranaki

08/10/2026

☀️ ⛵️ With daylight saving underway, and (hopefully) warmer weather on the way, you might be thinking about getting out on the water.

It's important to know that from next Friday, 9 October, a new rule is in place for the wearing of lifejackets:

🛟 Everyone on board a recreational craft that is 6m or less must wear a lifejacket when the craft is underway (moving).

The new rule applies everywhere in New Zealand – lakes, rivers and the sea.

❗️ Don't forget also, that on all recreational craft, lifejackets must be carried in sufficient numbers for all passengers.

👉 For more information, head to: https://maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational-craft/maritime-transport-lifejackets-on-recreational-craft-amendment-bill/

New Plymouth Yacht Club
New Plymouth Sport Fishing and Underwater Club
Taranaki Kayak Fishing Club
Taranaki Jetski
Coastguard Taranaki
Taranaki Regional Council
Port Taranaki Harbourmaster
Taranaki Fishing Community
Taranaki Outrigger Canoe Club Waka Ama
New Plymouth District Council

05/09/2026

This Father's Day, some of the best dads we know won't be at brunch. They'll be out on the water, kids in tow, doing what they love most.

There's nothing like watching a dad teach his kid to cast a line, back a trailer, or spot a change in the weather. That's a Sunday well spent.

And to be honest, it's not always about dads. Sometimes it's a grandad or an uncle who stepped up and taught you everything you know about the water. Today's for them too.

To everyone who's ever passed on their love of the moana to the next generation – we see you, and we love what you're building out there. Memories that stick, skills that last, and kids who'll love the water just as much as you do.

Whatever your waka this weekend, have a great one. We'll be here, keeping an eye out, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.

Happy Father's Day, from your mates at Coastguard.

03/09/2026

Good news!

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)

26/08/2026

🚤 Todd Energy Rescue might still be off the water, but the crew are definitely not just sitting around!

While our big vessel gets some much-needed TLC and refurbishment, our crew have been keeping busy - brushing up on tractor skills 🚜, getting familiar with our PPE, cleaning up our marina, and putting in the mahi on our trusty TIES Rescue abatement boat.

We’re still here, still training, and still ready to respond when you need us. 💪🌊

We’ll keep you posted on Todd Energy Rescue’s progress and look forward to getting her back on the water.

Stay safe out there, Taranaki! 🌊⚓️

16/06/2026

Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes for National Volunteer Week! 💙⚓️

When people think of Coastguard, they often picture our rescue vessels cutting through the waves. But the truth is, saving lives at sea is a massive team effort that starts long before a boat ever hits the water, and continues long after it returns. Every single role matters:

🌊 Our Wet Crew: For dropping everything at a moment’s notice to head out into the waves.

📡 Our Radio Operators: For being the calm, steady voices keeping the crew and the community connected and safe.

⚙️ Our Shore Crew & Support Teams: For the endless work behind the scenes - maintaining gear, ensuring the boat is always ready, and keeping the unit running smoothly.

To our volunteers (and the families who support them): we couldn't do this without you. You are true legends!

16/06/2026

❤️💙

11/06/2026

If you spotted Todd Energy Rescue getting a piggyback through town this week, don’t worry - she hasn’t got her roads and waterways mixed up! She’s off for a well-earned spa treatment and major overhaul. ⚓️🔧

🚛 A huge thanks to the team at 𝐆 𝐉 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 for their support and for ensuring a smooth ride through town.

📲 While Todd Energy Rescue is out of the water, our dedicated radio operators remain on watch, and Ties Rescue is available to task when required.

✨We will keep you posted on her progress!

06/06/2026

⚓ Todd Energy Rescue Undergoing Major Overhaul ⚓

Our rescue vessel, Todd Energy Rescue, has been taken out of the water for a planned major overhaul to ensure she remains safe, reliable, and ready to serve our community for years to come.

📲 While this work is underway, it’s business as usual for Coastguard Taranaki. Our dedicated Radio Operators continue to monitor marine communications and provide support to boaties, and our crews have Ties Rescue on standby to respond when needed.

🛟 We’ll keep you updated on Todd Energy Rescue’s progress and look forward to welcoming her back on the water soon.

30/05/2026

🌙🚤 Now that the evenings are getting dark so early, it’s important that we keep our night training skills sharp.

Last week, our crew were out training on Todd Energy Rescue & TIES Rescue with searchlights, night vision equipment, and infrared equipment to ensure we’re ready to respond when needed.

Stay safe out there Taranaki.

25/05/2026