A $9,842 grant from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is helping Coastguard Mana upgrade critical search and rescue equipment, enhancing its ability to save lives in one of Aotearoa’s most demanding marine environments.
The Porirua-based volunteer unit is replacing two ageing GPS plotters and adding a side-scanning sonar transducer to its 12.5-metre rescue vessel, Te Awarua Rescue. These upgrades will improve navigation and underwater search capabilities, especially around the hazardous northern entrance of Cook Strait.
“Our older equipment was reaching the end of its working life,” said Unit Safety Coordinator and Senior Crew Member Simon Piper. “This generous grant ensures we maintain and improve the high standards of our search and rescue capability.”
The upgrades include modern display screens and a new depth sounder, which will help locate vessels or people in distress more quickly and accurately. “Giving our volunteers the best tools respects their service and helps them perform their duties more confidently and efficiently,” Piper said.
Primary Helmsman Jason Hall added, “We cannot afford to be let down by our equipment at any time—it’s reassuring to know we won’t be with this technology.”
Primary Navigator David Franks highlighted the difference the new sonar will make. “Next time we need to look for a submerged car, it won’t be like looking through a narrow tube,” he said.
Ben Hodges, NZCT’s General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications, emphasised the importance of community support. “Equipping Coastguard crews with reliable, advanced technology will save time and save lives. Grants like this wouldn’t be possible without responsible gaming partnerships with local venues like Legends Bar, The Mariner, and The Sandbar Mana.”
Established in 1998 by members of the Mana Cruising Club, Coastguard Mana operates from Mana Marina and serves a vast coastal area from Ōtaki to the Marlborough Sounds. The unit plays a vital role in ensuring maritime safety and supporting emergency operations throughout the region.