Coastguard Hibiscus

05/05/2026

Auckland Council is consulting on proposed changes to the Auckland Navigation Bylaw, including a change to make wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs), also known as lifejackets, mandatory on recreational vessels six metres or less in length when underway.

Accidents can happen suddenly - even close to shore, even on calm days - and there’s often no time to put a lifejacket on once something goes wrong.

Consultation is open now (4 May to 7 June 2026). Find out more 👉 coastguard.nz/auckland-navigation-bylaw

Lifejackets save lives - let’s keep Aucklanders safe on the water.

05/05/2026

Today, our thoughts are with our colleagues at Marine Rescue New South Wales, the tight-knit community of Ballina, and all the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

From all of us at Coastguard Hibiscus, we stand alongside you in solidarity. As volunteers ourselves, we understand the commitment it takes to step forward, give your time, and answer the call to help others on the water. It’s a bond that runs deep across all our crews, no matter where we are.

In moments like this, the ocean that connects us also reminds us how closely we stand together. Sending strength, support, and our deepest condolences across the Tasman. Kia Kaha.

24/04/2026

At dawn this morning, members of Coastguard Hibiscus stood shoulder to shoulder with our community at the Hibiscus Coast RSA to mark Anzac Day.

As the first light broke, we paused to remember the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have served our country—past and present. The stillness of the morning was a powerful reminder of why we gather each year: to honour their legacy and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today.

For our crew, service is at the heart of what we do. Today, we stood not just as volunteers in uniform, but as members of a community deeply connected to the values of commitment, resilience, and mateship that Anzac Day represents.

We are proud to pay our respects and continue that spirit of service on the water.

Lest we forget

23/04/2026

20/04/2026

“Lifejackets made the difference between a search and a recovery.”

Two kayakers were safely rescued from the water off Stanmore Bay on Saturday, with lifejackets and having a phone to call for help making all the difference.

The pair became separated from their group in deteriorating conditions as they paddled from Martins Bay to Manly Beach on Saturday morning. Thankfully they were able to make a brief phone call to the group and give their approximate location.

Coastguard Hibiscus volunteers aboard Hibiscus Rescue 2 and the New Zealand Police Eagle helicopter immediately made their way to the search area, before the helicopter found the pair in the water.

“Wearing lifejackets made the difference between this being a search and a recovery,” says Coastguard Hibiscus Skipper Dave Maritz.

“The fact they had a phone in a dry bag meant they could be found fairly quickly.”

🛟Coastguard encourages all boaties and kayakers to be prepared when going out on the water:
- Always wear a lifejacket
- Take two forms of waterproof communication
- Check the long-range marine forecast
- Tell someone when to expect you home, or log a trip report on the Coastguard app.

19/04/2026

From all of us at Coastguard Hibiscus, we want to give a huge thank you to local legend and all-round top bloke Mitch Boocock, who is taking on an incredible 60km swim this June as part of the Coastguard Big Swim.

This is no small feat — it takes serious commitment, resilience, and a big heart to step up to a challenge like this, all in support of the work Coastguard does to keep our community safe on the water.

Mitch, we truly appreciate the time, effort, and dedication you’re putting in to support us — it means a lot to everyone in our unit and the wider community.

If you’re able to, please get in behind Mitch and show your support. Whether it’s encouragement, sharing his journey, or donating, every bit makes a difference — or better yet, sign up and take part yourself.

Go well Mitch - we are behind you all the way!

Why not dive in for Coastguard's Big Swim this June to help save more lives on the water? Or show your support by making a donation.

18/04/2026

Police Maritime responded to a search and rescue incident this afternoon after a group of kayakers were reported overdue off the coast in the Stanmore Bay area.

The group had set off from Mahurangi intending to paddle to Manly Beach. When one double kayak failed to arrive as expected and sea conditions deteriorated, with rough seas and winds of 15–20 knots, a member of the group contacted Police.

Police Coastal Master Senior Constable Trevor Proctor says they immediately initiated a search, issuing a mobile phone locate to the missing kayakers and tasking the Police Eagle helicopter, to search the coastal area between Mahurangi and Manly.

“The missing person wasn’t answering texts or calls so we managed to locate the kayakers by polling their phone.

“Eagle located the two kayakers approximately 5.7 kilometres off Stanmore Bay Beach.

“They were in the water holding onto their kayak and were unable to get back in due to the conditions.

“Both were wearing lifejackets.”

Police worked with Coastguard who were tasked to retrieve the kayakers.

Volunteers from Coastguard Hibiscus aboard Hibiscus Rescue 2 responded to the incident.

Hibiscus Rescue 2 retrieved both kayakers and transported them back to Coastguard Base at Stanmore Bay. No injuries were reported.

"We’re pleased with this positive outcome and acknowledge the teamwork between those involved, including the timely call for assistance, the use of location technology, and the coordinated response by emergency services,” says Senior Constable Proctor.

“This incident highlights the importance of always wearing a lifejacket and carrying more than one form of communication when you’re on the water.

“If you’re relying on a mobile phone, store it in a waterproof bag or case.

“These simple precautions can make a critical difference in an emergency.”

Police encourage anyone heading out on the water to check the forecast, plan conservatively and ensure they have appropriate safety equipment before setting out.

01/04/2026

🐰🌊 Happy Easter from Coastguard Hibiscus! 🌊🐰

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter out on the water and at home. We hope the Easter Bunny is kind to you all and brings plenty of chocolate! 🍫

While Hibiscus Rescue 1 is currently out for repairs, you’ll still see our amazing crew out on the water this weekend aboard Hibiscus Rescue 2, ready to help keep everyone safe.

If you happen to have any leftover Easter chocolate… feel free to pass it on to our hardworking volunteers — we definitely won’t say no! 😉

Stay safe, look after each other, and enjoy the long weekend.

31/03/2026

🚨 Attention Ōrewa residents and visitors! 🚨

A friendly reminder that the bi-annual test of our two tsunami sirens is scheduled to take place on the last day of daylight saving, Sunday, 5th April 2026, at 12pm.

This test is a routine safety measure aimed at supporting our community's preparedness in the event of a tsunami emergency. These tests are drills only and there is no need to take any action.

21/03/2026

What a day on the water for our crew!

We kicked things off clearing logs from the entrance to Gulf Harbour, helping keep the channel safe for everyone. From there, we supported our cousins at Kawau as they completed qualified crew assessments — great to see more skills being built across the Coastguard whānau.

The day kept rolling with a JetSki breakdown at Catalina Bay, followed by lending a hand to our friends at Trillian Trust Rescue by picking up their tow and bringing it safely into Westpark due to the low tide.

On our way back north, we came across a vessel broken down under the Harbour Bridge. Quick thinking and even quicker line work meant we were able to prevent it from colliding with the bridge, before towing them safely back under the Te Atatū bridge. Right place at the right time.

A day of variety, teamwork, and a few firsts for some of our crew — always learning, always ready, and proud to serve the community we cover. 💙

11/03/2026

From 12 March, taking shellfish, seaweeds and other rockpool sea life from Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and Whangaparāoa Peninsula is banned. People breaking the rules may be fined.

Find out more, and see maps of the closure, at fisheries.govt.nz/Hauraki-closures