Coastguard Kapiti Coast

20/06/2026

Last week might have been National Volunteer Week but we celebrate our crew 52 weeks of the year, every year.

Here’s to our local legends who dedicate their time to train and practice and are always ready to respond 24/7 to breakdowns, missing divers, wayward kayaks, medical emergencies and so much more.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, each bringing unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives to the crew. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them!

Cheers to our Coastguard crews for everything you do! Local volunteers supporting Kāpiti and the place we love to call home ♥️💙

02/06/2026

25/05/2026

A big thanks to the team at the Maritime NZ Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) in Lower Hutt for hosting some of our team this morning. The visit will help with redeveloping our Paraparaumu base, including the radio and information room.

RCCNZ is our national search and rescue organisation, which covers one of the largest search and rescue regions in the world - about 30 million square kilometres. Every year they respond to about 1,500 search and rescue incidents!

During our visit we got to see the RCC team in action as two Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) went off while we were there.

23/05/2026

It was great to be out on our Kapiti Wellington District Freemasons vessel, supporting the Hoe Tonga Winter Series waka ama, this morning.

The event also provided a chance for our crew, including three recent recruits, to practice Maritime Operator Safety drills, close quarter helming, backing up to targets, anchoring and beaching. Also a lot of work on the radar during the six hour stint on the water.

A great day and congrats again to all the competitors 🚣‍♂️🚣‍♂️🚣‍♂️

27/04/2026

👏👏👏 Join us in celebrating Jon, Piroska, and Ross who passed their assessment to become our newest fully-qualified operational crew this morning 👏👏👏

💙 Onboard our Kapiti Wellington District Freemasons vessel, skippered by Sarah and 2IC Martin, the crew were put through their paces by assessor Doug from Manawatu Volunteer Coastguard.

It’s taken two years and lots of voluntary hours to reach this milestone which included support from our Mills-Albert Limited crew who were the ‘stricken’ vehicle.

Scenarios included:
🛟 an injured crew member
🛟 a ghost boat (overdue for return) found with no one onboard requiring an immediate search
🛟 mechanical trouble requiring a tow

📝 Our trio were also assessed for skills, some of which included triangulating three fixed points, determining latitude and longitude on a chart and estimating drift, radio and communications, helming, anchoring, man overboard, and team work 🛥️

🙌 Shoutout to all that made today possible. The future of Coastguard Kāpiti Coast is in good hands ♥️💙

24/04/2026

Lest we forget.

Today we honour all who have served, and all who continue to do so.

We also acknowledge the many Coastguard volunteers who have served our country and continue to bring their experience, commitment and heart to their life‑saving mahi every day.

13/04/2026

👇🙏

As water safety advocates, we’re committed to reducing preventable watercraft drownings. Please be prepared before you take to the water.

Monday - Following a rescue off Otaki Beach last week Police Search and Rescue, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, and Coastguard New Zealand are urging people to remain vigilant and to be prepared when heading out on the water.

"Early last week, Police Search and Rescue were alerted to a person in difficulty off Otaki Beach after falling from their kayak. They were not wearing a lifejacket and had no form of communication to call for help. The kayak was also not suitable for ocean conditions and eventually sunk."

A joint response was launched after a person on the beach saw them get into difficulty and called emergency services.

"We worked alongside Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Coastguard Manawatū, Wellington Rescue Helicopter, and a private helicopter in the area at the time.

"The person was located some time later cold, tired, and very lucky," says Sergeant Fellerhoff.

Sergeant Marcus Fellerhoff says over the summer there were eight incidents in the Kapiti, Horowhenua, and Manawatu coastlines that required emergency assistance.