09/06/2026
Whangārei Coastguard has successfully completed the three-year engine replacement programme for our rescue vessel, Circa Rescue.
We are extremely grateful to Paul Dunn and the team at Marine North Ltd, Yamaha Motor NZ Ltd, and Coastguard New Zealand for helping bring this project together. Through their support, generous discounts, and financial assistance, this important upgrade was completed at the lowest possible cost to our unit.
From haul-out to splash-back, the entire process ran smoothly. A huge thank you goes to the Marsden Cove Marina hardstand team, the Marine North workshop team, and Abel Marine Ltd for the use of their tent, which allowed work to continue regardless of the weather. Your commitment and willingness to go the extra mile ensured the engine replacement was completed within the scheduled timeframe, and we sincerely appreciate your efforts.
A huge thanks also to crew members John Holley and Graham Teal, who dedicated their time to cleaning, polishing, and touching up the vessel’s hull and antifoul.
As part of the project, we also took the opportunity to assess the long-term condition of Circa Rescue. An ultrasound hull survey was completed by Heath Mabbett of Coast to Coast Marine Surveyors. The findings will provide a solid foundation for future planning as we consider whether to refurbish and refit Circa Rescue or build a new rescue vessel in the years ahead.
With the work now complete, Circa Rescue is back on the water and ready to do what we are passionate about—saving lives on the water.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project a success.
Marine North, Marsden Cove Marina, , Coastguard New Zealand,
