Coastguard Mana’s Trevor Farmer has been recognised with the Supreme Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Leadership Award at the 2025 Coastguard Volunteer Awards of Excellence.
Farmer, who joined Coastguard Mana in 2008, was celebrated for his decades of service, calm leadership, and dedication to saving lives on the water. The awards, held on Tuesday 23 September, recognised volunteers from across Aotearoa who go above and beyond to serve their communities.
“Trevor’s dedication is humbling, and his impact is immeasurable,” said Carl McOnie, CEO of Coastguard Tautiaki Moana. “He embodies the selfless spirit and leadership that Coastguard values most.”
Farmer has twice served as President of Coastguard Mana and is a Master, Senior Instructor, and former Unit Crew Coordinator. Over the years, he has trained and mentored countless volunteers, helping them become skilled crew and Masters while always placing teamwork first.
One of the most memorable rescues under Farmer’s watch came in 2014, when two fishers were caught in a cyclone near Cook Strait. With no engine, radio, or navigation, the men had little chance of survival, until Farmer and his crew braved atrocious conditions to bring them home safely.
Despite his achievements, Farmer was surprised to be nominated. “I was amazed,” he said. “I love it, but the real heroes at Mana are the special bunch of people I work with every single day.”
The awards also recognised finalists Reinhard Wirtenberger of Coastguard North Shore and Paul Psaila of Coastguard Auckland for outstanding leadership.