Coastguard Kapiti Coast

27/09/2026

Yesterday, before the wild weather rolled in for the weekend, some of our crew took out our Kapiti Wellington District Freemasons vessel to practice close quarter helming, planning routes, and getting the team who are looking to cross the Cook Straight for a joint exercise in Picton together to identify further training needs. Heading to Mana meant we also got to be in bigger seas similar to what we may encounter on our crossing.

26/09/2026

Heads up, boaties!

🦺 Lifejacket rules change from 9 October.

Everyone on recreational craft 6 metres or less will be required to wear a lifejacket when their recreational craft is underway.

The change is part of a nationwide effort to reduce preventable tragedies on the water.

The new law applies across all New Zealand waterways, such as lakes, rivers, harbours and coastal waters (like ours).

It includes:
✅ Jet skis
✅ Kayaks
✅ Paddleboards
✅ Dinghies
✅ Sailboats
✅ Power-driven vessels

Lifejackets save lives – they are one of the simplest ways for you to stay safe on the water.

Before heading out, remember to:
🛟 Wear a correctly fitted lifejacket
🛟 Take two waterproof ways to call for help
🛟 Check the marine weather forecast

Find out more at Maritime NZ 👇

This amendment requires people in vessels 6 metres or less to wear lifejackets when underway

12/09/2026

What a cracking morning for Blair Bregmen, one of our dummy naming winners, and his partner Jandy and Otaki Boating Club member Graeme, to join our Paraparaumu crew out on the water

A trip around Kāpiti Island to show how we set way points and follow the lines, a man overboard drill, a tiki tour of hole in the wall bay, and demonstrating the technique used for rescuing Nemo with the cradle, as well as a run through operational procedures with President Todd were just some of the things we shared with Blair and his friends.

Blair said they had an awesome morning with the crew and it definitely gave them some insight into water rescue operations 🛥️

"The operational side is very much aligned with what Graeme and I know as volunteer firemen in Ōtaki (25 years+ serving!). Both organisations have procedures that must be followed for everyone's safety and to get positive outcomes in rescue events, as we don't get second chances when lives are at risk.

"As Ōtaki Boating Club members it gives us great comfort to know there is professional help when it all goes pear shape 🛟

"On behalf of all three of us, we love what you do and what you are all about - especially as you're all volunteers. Keep up the good work!" 💙❤️

Cheers Blair - it was a pleasure to have you all onboard.

11/09/2026

Dankie en totsiens, thank you and farewell Dawie 👋

After ten years of service, tonight we had a few quiet ones to say goodbye to one of our senior operational crew.

Dawie has been a stalwart of our Paraparaumu crew - his camaraderie and contribution will be missed but we wish him and his family all the best for new adventures in Australia.

His love for pies and the ability to sleep upright on our Freemasons vessel as it crossed the Cook Straight are just some of the legacies he leaves behind. Gaan goed, go well.

07/09/2026

At our AGM last night, crew members poured over 114 entries for naming our dummies… and we have our winners!

Congratulations to Blair Bregmen - our Paraparaumu manikin is officially called Nemo.

And to Claire Gray for MOJoe, our Waikanae dummy’s new name.

Thanks to all those who entered their suggested names, there were some close choices in the end but alas we only needed two.

Blair and Claire, please send us a message so we can arrange your time out on one of our vessels with you. 🚤🛟

03/09/2026

Last night we hosted 15 scouts and four leaders from the Waikanae Scout Group at our Waikanae boat shed.

Our crew members Jerry Bardon and Nick Weldon explained Coastguard’s role and then split the group into two - taking turns on the boat and around the shed.

They were shown videos of search patterns and walked through our marine charts.

On the boat we explained the principles of the jet propulsion and how we launch and retrieve on the beach.

Everyone had a go with our thermal imaging binoculars. It was a big hit!

The session took about two hours and ended with a rousing cheer from the group.

There were many excellent questions, with some scouts expressing an interest in learning more! Maybe we’ll see them on our vessels one day 🛟

21/08/2026

Hankering for mint boating weather? Yeah, we are too. This isn't the weekend though.

HEAVY SWELL WARNING - Kāpiti - Porirua Coast
A Heavy Swell Warning has now been issued for Ōtaki to Cape Terawhiti.
Northwest combined (swell + wind) waves are expected to rise to 4.5m on Sunday 23rd August, easing Sunday evening.
👉Surfers, divers, recreational reef fishers/surfcasters should be extra cautious and avoid exposed locations.
👉 Check the marine forecast before heading out on a boat, and if in doubt, don't go out.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

UPDATE - 9AM Monday 24 August - All warnings have now been lifted and we've awoken to a sun-shiny, calm day. Bask in its warm glow today as unfortunately we've got more wind and rain to come in a few days' time.

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HEAVY SWELL WARNING - Kapiti - Porirua Coast

A Heavy Swell Warning has now been issued for Otaki to Cape Terawhiti.

Northwest combined (swell + wind) waves are expected to rise to 4.5m on Sunday 23rd August, easing Sunday evening.

👉These swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads, especially around high tide.
👉 Take care walking or driving along roads exposed to the sea during this time.
👉Surfers, divers, recreational reef fishers/surfcasters should be extra cautious and avoid exposed locations.
👉If you are planning on heading out into the water, check the marine forecast before you do, and if in doubt, do not go.
👉 Check the forecast before heading out on a boat, and if in doubt, do not go.
👉 Keep an eye on the weather and visit MetService for the latest updates.

The highest risk period is typically at or within 1-2 hours of high tide.

Tides: The highest risk period is typically at or within 1-2 hours of high tide

Makara Beach high tides: 5:07am Sun 23rd.
Otaki River Entrance high tides: 6:00am Sun 23rd.

💨 STRONG WIND WARNING - Wairarapa 💨

It must be almost spring 😲 The weather is warming up but the wind is kicking in 💨

MetService has issued a Strong Wind Warning for WAIRARAPA until 3pm Sunday 23rd Aug.

North-westerly gales are forecast to become severe with gusts reaching 120 km/h in exposed places.

⚠️ Strong wind gusts like these could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
🚗 Take extra care on the roads (especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles).
🪑Secure any outdoor items like wheelie bins, trampolines and outdoor furniture that may blow around.

Keep an eye on the weather and visit https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home for the latest updates.

Take care, WREMO Duty Team

07/08/2026

Have you entered your names for our two dummies yet? We need one for our Paraparaumu shed and one for our Waikanae shed.

This one thought they might volunteer for VHF radio. Granted the role offers the best views in Kāpiti but they’ve forgotten they’re already wet crew 💦

Suggest some names in the comments below by 5pm 23 August and you could win time with our crew out on the water - reminding our man overboard dummies why we have them 🚤🙋🏽‍♂️🛟

02/08/2026

We're calling for local unit volunteers to help us ‘save lives at sea’ for both our Waikanae and Paraparaumu sheds.

🚜 We need shore crew (tractor drivers and VHF radio operators). These roles would ideally suit experienced tractor drivers who can respond at short notice for either shed.

🛥️ We’re also after ‘wet’ crew for operational callouts. These volunteers will need to make themselves available for either of our rescue vessels.

All applicants will be required to formally join the unit. Full training will be provided, including VHF radio certification.

If you’re interested in joining our friendly team, please contact us:
🛟 at either shed on Monday training evenings, or
🛟 email our Welfare Officer Vicki Payne at [email protected]
🛟 our Unit Secretary Nick Weldon at [email protected]
🛟 or speak to any of our volunteers when we’re at the Kapiti Boating Club or the Waikanae Boating Club

21/07/2026

Our crew's thoughts are of Sam Hayward who passed away earlier this week.

Sam was a long-time member of the early iteration of Coastguard Kāpiti Coast. He was instrumental in the design of our previous boat Pharazyn Rescue and the design of the trailer - a removable frame to enable bow launching. Integral ingenuity that set us up for ongoing success. Condolences to Sam's family and everyone who knew him.

Image: Pharazyn Rescue, Karl Webber 2018