Coastguard Whitianga

16/06/2026

Join today.

15/06/2026

A very intensive weekend for our Cadets as the two crews came together to complete their Day Skipper qualification.
Two very full days 0830-1700 Hrs in the classroom were needed to cover the very intensive Day Skippers Course.
This course covers the fundamentals of the knowledge needed to safely take charge of a small recreational vessel.
Tuition ranges from launching the vessel to the basics of navigation on a chart, rules of the road and emergency procedures. Not forgetting the knot tying session.
A huge thank you to our Coastguard Education tutor Shane who managed to combine good humor, patience, and discipline over the two days in a very professional presentation.
We now look forward to consolidating the learnings on the water over the next 10 weeks.

05/05/2026

HEADS UP, APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026
WHITIANGA COASTGUARD ALAN JACKSON MEMORIAL CADETSHIP CLOSE ON THE 10TH OF MAY.

There a still a very limited number of spaces available.

At this stage there appears to be an over representation of applications from our young adult male population.

Come on ladies time to step up and even out the head count.
Our young ladies have taken out the outstanding Cadet award more often than not.

This is a fully funded ,no strings attached course designed to promote self confidence and leadership skills. All you have to do is front up with an open mind and a can do attitude.

If you are aged between 15 and 17 years then this is the course for you.

There are NZQA credits available for the VHF and Day Skipper courses as well as the First aid and in water survival course.

Expressions of interest to [email protected] before the 10th of May 2026.

02/05/2026

27/04/2026

Times are tight. We hear you!

More and more whānau across Aotearoa are turning to gathering kai - and in many ways, that’s something to be proud of.

We’re fortunate to have access to moana that can provide, to a tradition where food can be gathered, shared, and gifted.

Across the world, fishing and diving are often recreational.

But, here in Aotearoa, it’s different. It’s about feeding whānau. It’s about connection - to place, to culture, to each other. It’s about manaakitanga.

So what’s driving people into increasingly dangerous situations?

💰Economic pressure is real - people are gathering more because they need to.
🌊Popular, easy-access spots are crowded, pushing people further out to remote, rugged, and exposed locations.
👊Divers are pushing themselves - to get home in time, to gather more, to go further - pushing themselves into higher-risk decisions.
⚖We are overestimating our personal ability - not staying within our limits.
🎲We go out alone - and, when you’re alone, there’s no margin for error.

The ocean gives - but it can also take.

✔Don’t go alone. Always take a mate.
✔Know your limits - a dive health check is always a good idea.
✔Check the conditions, know your environment.
✔Ensure your equipment is working safely and properly.

No kai is worth your life.

Stay safe. Don't Go Alone.

You can find out more at the link below. Have your own story of keeping safe whilst gathering kai? We'd love to hear about it.

23/04/2026

Book Your Course Today!

23/04/2026

Register FREE today!

23/04/2026

“It won’t happen to me" . . . right?

That may be what a lot of people think when they head out alone.

Many drowning incidents in Aotearoa happen when people are alone - with no one there to help, no one to notice - and no second chance.

Is it actually okay to swim, fish or explore around water alone? Do you know the real risks? Would you recognise when you’re pushing it too far?

This quick quiz will help us understand a little about what you think - and might just change how you approach the water. Plus, you could win a $150 Prezzy card to spend on water safety equipment.

Because drowning doesn’t just happen to “other people"

💧 Take the quiz via link below
💧 Share it with someone you care about
💧 Love the water? Share it with a mate.

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23/04/2026

“Lifejackets made the difference between a search and a recovery.”

Two kayakers were safely rescued from the water off Stanmore Bay on Saturday, with lifejackets and having a phone to call for help making all the difference.

The pair became separated from their group in deteriorating conditions as they paddled from Martins Bay to Manly Beach on Saturday morning. Thankfully they were able to make a brief phone call to the group and give their approximate location.

Coastguard Hibiscus volunteers aboard Hibiscus Rescue 2 and the New Zealand Police Eagle helicopter immediately made their way to the search area, before the helicopter found the pair in the water.

“Wearing lifejackets made the difference between this being a search and a recovery,” says Coastguard Hibiscus Skipper Dave Maritz.

“The fact they had a phone in a dry bag meant they could be found fairly quickly.”

🛟Coastguard encourages all boaties and kayakers to be prepared when going out on the water:
- Always wear a lifejacket
- Take two forms of waterproof communication
- Check the long-range marine forecast
- Tell someone when to expect you home, or log a trip report on the Coastguard app.

17/04/2026

Every lap counts 🏊