Coastguard Whitianga

01/10/2026

29/09/2026

🐾 So BIG NEWS around these parts.

From Friday 9 October, the rules are changing.

If you’re out on a recreational craft 6 metres or under, everyone on board must wear a lifejacket while the craft is underway. 🦺

That includes your jet ski, dinghy, sailboat, kayak, paddleboard or motorboat.

Yep. Everyone means everyone. And wearing means wearing - not just carrying on board.

So before you head out, get those lifejackets on and make sure everyone’s sorted.

Wear it. Every trip.
Because lifejackets save lives.

Stay with us as we follow 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 the progress of this life saving change. We've been like a dog with a bone on this issue.......... (see what we did there?)

27/09/2026

27/09/2026

24/09/2026

14/09/2026

Coastguard Manawatū responds after boat capsizes at Tangimoana Beach

Two people have died and a third has been hospitalised after a boat capsized on the Rangitīkei River bar at Tangimoana Beach this morning.

Coastguard's National Operations Centre was notified of the capsize shortly after 8am, with three people reported in the water about 200 metres offshore, north of Himatangi. Volunteers from Coastguard Manawatū launched jet ski Blue Rescue and rescue vessel Kevin Morris II to assist.

Surf Life Saving Manawatū-Tararua also responded with two inflatable rescue boats. One person from the capsized boat made it to shore unassisted, a second person was found on the beach and the third was brought in by Coastguard volunteers. Hato Hone St John, Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and a rescue helicopter all attended. One patient was taken to Palmerston North Hospital in a moderate condition.

Police led the response and have confirmed two deaths, which are expected to be referred to the Coroner.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who died, and with the person now recovering in hospital. Thank you to our Coastguard Manawatū volunteers, this has been a tragic morning for Tangimoana and the wider Manawatū community.

04/09/2026

Our Starboard Cadet Crew finally got on the water last night to complete their night Navigation session.
We were lucky that the wind turned to the West and dropped a little which enabled our crew to plan a trip down the Coast taking in Hahei , HWB, Boat Harbour and then on to Home Bay at Slipper Island. Despite the rain sea conditions were good but visibility was next to nil. A good test for our Cadets new found Navigation skills.

As with our Port crew ,Starboard crew were very much up to the challenge. Navigation and helming skills were excellent. Our Cadet crew should be very proud of themselves. A special mention of our Senior Cadet Safety Officer Connor who was exposed to the weather for most of the trip. Thank you for your support Connor.

That's it for the on water content of the cadetship. We now look forward to the Prize giving on Sunday 11am. Parents and siblings welcome.

30/08/2026

Our Port Cadet Crew were on the water on Friday night to complete their night Navigation assessment.
An overcast night with light showers and a predicted 15Knot Northerly wind which meant there were very few sheltered spots up the Coast and around the Mercury Islands.
On the plus side it was dark by launch time at 1830 hrs and pitch black by 1900 hrs.

Our cadets were tasked to prepare a navigation plan hugging the Coast along the Whauwhau to Matapaua Bay and to enter the planned route into the the GPS. The helmsman were then tasked to follow the planned route using the GPS and Radar to maintain their course. This plan of action was repeated on rotation until all of our Cadets had been assessed on their Navigation and helming skills taking us around to Opito Bay and then out around the Mercury Islands.

I am very pleased to announce that all of our Port Crew raised to the challenge with an exceptional display of their new skills. Their navigation, Helming and communication could not be faulted. Well done Port Crew you have set a very high bar for Starboard Crew to follow.

Unfortunately we had to cancel our planned Saturday night trip with Starboard crew due to the weather conditions. This trip is now rescheduled for next Friday night.

23/08/2026

The last Sunday on the water for our Cadets as they come to the end of their 12 week course. Next Friday and Saturday nights is the climax of the cadetship with both of our crews taking part in the night navigation exersise.
Injuries continue to plague this years course with both of our Senior Cadet safety officers now sidelined with sports injuries and not expected to be fit again prior to the conclusion of the course. We wish both Bianca and Connor a speedy recovery.
Once again a game of two halves for our Cadet crews. The mornings slight seas and light winds quickly gave way to a very brisk NW wind and a uncomfortable wind chop.
Late afternoon saw the rain set in and the temperature drop.
To escape the worst effect of the weather we headed South to HWB and Boat Harbor with the added bonus of a visit to Orua Cave.
Despite the conditions both crews had a very productive days training and are now ready for what ever the Night navigation exercise may throw at them. Well done team. Your tutors were very impressed with the skills on display.

16/08/2026

Another game of two halves for our Cadets out on the water yesterday as our Cadet crews undertook the annual circumnavigation of GMI in Preperation of their Night navigation assessment. Our early shift port crew faced a few showers with 10 knots of Westerly wind which provided comfortable conditions on the exposed west coast of GMI and a very sheltered Eastern Coast.
In contrast Starboard crew were faced with heavy rain and a strengthening SE wind resulting in restricted visibility and a rising swell.
Our lads new navigation skills were put to the test with each cadet having to plan for a leg of the trip and enter a safe route onto the GPS allowing for the weather conditions. The use of Radar in reduced visibility was also put to the test.

Both crews were keen to show off their new skills and enjoyed the chance to get out of the Bay and experience the waters around the Mercury Islands.

One more Sunday on the water to hone the skill set with the night navigation set over Friday and Saturday nights the following week. We are confident our Cadets are up for the challange.