About us
As the primary maritime search and rescue service, Coastguard NZ is here to make New Zealand’s waterways a safer place for boaties.
As an organisation, 85% of our funding comes from donations and local community support. It is these donations that help to keep our vessels in the water. However, since 2008 the government provides a level of financial assistance for the provision of rescue services to distress calls (through the Police or the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ). This funds about 15% of the total calls made to Coastguad each year for help.
There are 66 Coastguard Units located across the country. Since 1976 most of these Coastguard units have been independently established by communities concerned with the lack of available marine safety. These units are made up of vessel based activity, air patrols and communications volunteers.
It’s only recently that all Coastguard Units around the country have pulled together under one banner—The Royal New Zealand Coastguard.
This has allowed us to make the most of our search and rescue, maritime safety and marine education resources. Putting us in a better position to spread the word about boating and sea safety, the Royal New Zealand Coastguard enables us to implement initiatives that make the water a safer place for keen Kiwi boaties.
At present, Coastguard is made up of more than 2,146 dedicated brave volunteers.
We have 92 dedicated search and rescue vessels in our fleet, two small fixed wing single engine aircraft, and access to aeroclub aircraft at eight other locations from Kerikeri to Invercargill.
All Coastguard crew members on board our rescue vessels and air patrol craft are passionate volunteers. They’re also highly trained professional volunteers, so you can be safe in the knowledge that when you call Coastguard for help, you’ll be in expert hands.
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