A new Ford Everest towing vehicle is helping the team at Coastguard Papakura keep people safe on the Manukau Harbour.
The vehicle will be used to tow Papakura’s smaller Rescue 2 vessel and, with seven seats, will carry more volunteers to callouts and training exercises.
Coastguard Papakura Vice President Darren Stutter says the new addition will improve the mobility, responsiveness and operational capability of the unit’s volunteer crews.
“The vehicle will be used to support day-to-day operations, including towing rescue equipment and vessels, transporting volunteers and gear to training exercises and incidents, and assisting with community education and engagement events throughout the region.
“Having a reliable and capable vehicle ensures our volunteers can respond more effectively and safely when called upon.”
Darren says the unit works across a wide range of operational conditions in the Manukau Harbour, and access, towing capability and dependable transport are essential.
The vehicle. supported by South Auckland Motors, cost around $65,000 before GST and was paid for by a grant from Trillian Trust. The grant application was supported by Wiri Licensing Trust, which has also covered a share of the costs for branding the vehicle.
Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green says keeping South Aucklanders safe is a key focus for Trustees, who are proud to continue backing Coastguard Papakura.
“The Manukau Harbour is a huge part of life for many South Auckland families, and the Coastguard Papakura volunteers play a vital role in keeping people safe on the water. We’re pleased to support a vehicle that will help them continue that important work.”
Members of the public will get a chance to see the new vehicle at community events, boating safety days, school and education programmes, volunteer recruitment drives, and other local initiatives across the wider South Auckland and Manukau Harbour area.
“Having a professionally presented and recognisable vehicle helps increase public awareness of water safety, encourages community engagement, and highlights the important work carried out by Papakura Coastguard volunteers,” Darren says.
“It also provides an opportunity for the public to connect with volunteers, learn more about safe boating practices, and better understand the role Coastguard plays within the community.”
It’s been a busy summer for the Papakura volunteers, with the warmer weather enticing more boaties out on the water.
The unit dealt with mechanical failures, flat batteries, breakdowns, people stranded on sandbanks, and situations involving changing weather and sea conditions. The most common callouts were for disabled vessels requiring assistance to return safely to shore.
Coastguard Papakura has also welcomed several new recruits into the unit.
Bringing in new volunteers is an important part of building the future capability and sustainability of the organisation, Darren says.
The recruits are currently undertaking training across seamanship, radio operations, search and rescue procedures and on-water response skills to help strengthen the crew for future seasons.
Coastguard Papakura will also be adding a new Isuzu truck to its operational fleet, alongside the Ford Everest vehicle.
“The expansion of the fleet reflects the ongoing growth of the unit and its commitment to providing reliable and effective service to the community.”
Darren says Coastguard Papakura relies on support from the community, sponsors, and funding organisations to replace equipment and vehicles, ensuring operational readiness.
“As a volunteer organisation, resources such as these have a lasting impact on our capability and sustainability, ensuring Papakura Coastguard can continue serving and protecting our local community for years to come.”
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
