Wellington Volunteer Coastguard

09/06/2026

A BIG welcome to (left to right) James, Ingrid, Emma, and Stu who did exceptionally well over a very full on two training days.

Over the weekend we were joined by four new Recruits who all went through their Deckhand training.

It was an intensive weekend which culminated in an actual call-out on Sunday afternoon, giving them some real insight into how we operate during a live tasking.

The plan moving forward is for James, Ingrid, Emma, and Stu to participate in three trial crew days over the next couple of months so they can meet more of our team, get a better understanding of how we operate, and get the last few things ticked off.

09/06/2026

Some awesome Coastguard waihine doing some awesome things 🙌

08/06/2026

Please be aware, significant 9-10m swell is expected. Be safe out there everyone!

🌊⚠️HEAVY SWELL WARNING – TURAKIRAE HEAD to MATAIKONA, CAPE TERAWHITI to TURAKIRAE HEAD 🌊⚠️

MetService New Zealand have issued a Heavy Swell Warning for the Wairarapa and Wellington.

Wairarapa:
Heavy Swell Warning for Turakirae Head to Mataikona
Valid from 12am, 09 June to 12pm, 10 June

Southerly combined waves rising to 9-10 metres late Tuesday morning, then easing Wednesday morning. Peak period 14 seconds.

The highest risk period is typically at or within 1-2 hours of high tide:
- Cape Palliser high tides: 11:29 am, 11:52 pm Tuesday 9th
- Castlepoint high tides: 11:43am Tuesday 9th, 12.09am Wednesday 10th.

Wellington:
Heavy Swell Warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head
Valid from 6am, 09 June to 6am, 10 June

Southerly combined waves rising to 7-8 metres Tuesday midday, then easing Tuesday evening. Peak period 12-14 seconds.

The highest risk period is typically at or within 1-2 hours of high tide:
- Cape Terawhiti high tides: 12:26 pm Tuesday 9th, 12:49am Wednesday 10th
- Wellington high tides: 11:19am,11.42pm Tuesday 9th

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.

Check the forecast before heading out on a boat, and if in doubt, do not go.

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

Take care, WREMO Duty Team.

08/06/2026

NZCT GETS COASTGUARD NEW BOAT
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a $200,000 grant to Wellington Volunteer Coastguard towards the purchase of a new rescue boat, helping strengthen search and rescue capability across Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait.
The unit currently operates the Spirit of Wellington, a 28-year-old boat that is approaching the end of its service life. Replacing it with a modern rescue boat will improve safety, reliability, and response capability in one of the country’s most challenging marine environments.
“A new rescue boat will give our crews greater confidence on the water and help ensure we can respond safely and effectively when emergencies happen in Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour," says volunteer Melanie Templeton.
Coastguard Wellington plays a key role in local search and rescue, supporting Maritime Police, the harbourmaster, airport rescue services, and the wider boating public. Operating in Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour requires a boat that can handle demanding conditions while maintaining reliable performance.
The new rescue boat will improve response times and reliability, helping the unit respond more effectively to distress calls while enhancing safety outcomes for those on the water. It will also support the unit’s ability to continue providing consistent service as demand grows across the region.
Wellington harbourmaster Grant Nalder says Coastguard Wellington provides vital search and rescue services in Wellington Harbour and the Cook Strait rescue zones.
"They are available 24/7 to support police maritime operations while also maintaining local weekend patrols looking after the safety of recreational water users," he says. "As well as their rescue work, the unit and their volunteers are often obliging in helping my team with finding and recovering floating hazards or assisting with moving broken-down boats in the harbour.”
NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges says NZCT is delighted to support Wellington Coastguard.
"NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming lounges,” he says.
Coastguard Wellington is a volunteer-based search and rescue unit operating from Evans Bay. Formed after the Wahine disaster, the unit provides essential support across Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait, covering a wide and often challenging stretch of coastline. It is part of Coastguard New Zealand’s national network of volunteer units, delivering maritime safety services to the region.
NZCT is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 2024/25, NZCT awarded more than $38 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the arts, and cultural activities.

02/06/2026

Might be trying to get this suck in everyone’s heads 😉

01/06/2026

At 10.23 this morning pagers sounded and the crew mustered for a kings birthday weekend rescue.

A Haines Hunter had lost its propulsion just outside Seaview marina.

Spirit of Wellington located the boat in Sunshine Bay and safely got them back into the boat ramp before grabbing a quick coffee.

Many thanks to Compass Coffee and all those who support us, without you we couldn’t do this good mahi and we certainly wouldn’t be caffeinated!

31/05/2026

Another very happy member of the public returned to Seaview this morning.

This well prepared member of the public was very grateful for a tow back from Mātu/Somes island.

Another successful long weekend duty day!

29/05/2026

A big shout out to Wellington Coastguard’s very own Mel Templeton!

Recently our President James Goombridge presented Mel with this gift, showing the unit’s appreciation for all her hard work in fundraising for a new Coastguard Rescue Vessel.

Dedicated rescue vessels are purpose build, require significant investment and take many hours to develop, plan for and implement.

Thanks to the work of volunteers like Mel, we are stepping closer to a modern and capable vessel to serve the Wellington region.

21/05/2026

At approximately 8.30pm last night, Wellington Coastguard volunteers gathered and launched Spirit of Wellington having received a tasking from the New Zealand Police.

The rescue crew were tasked with facilitating a medical evacuation from a yacht approximately 7 nautical miles SE of Cape Palliser (Matakitakiakupe).

This was a big job for our crew who returned safely home, handed the rescued sailor over to Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics and washed the boat down at 4am.

The 8 hour trip, covering roughly 82 nautical miles all up, demonstrates the commitment our volunteers have to saving lives at sea and our capacity to do so.

A big warm and dry thank you to NZ Police, Maritime NZ, RCCNZ and the families who supported this mission.

26/02/2026

A massive thank you to the Petone Working Men’s Club for the outstanding donation.

The Club has again donated a significant amount, fundraised through the Petone Charity Fishing Competition.

Congratulations and thanks to all those who took part on the day!

This funding goes straight into supporting Wellington Coastguards operational capability, ensuring we can actively train and when required undertake search and rescue operations.

Wellington Coastguard has been operating for 57 years (since 1969🤯). Without donations and support from the community none of this would have been possible. So thanks again Petone Working Mans Club and thanks again to all those who took part on the day!