Wellington Volunteer Coastguard

06/08/2026

Massive effort by our fellow Volunteers down at Coastguard Sumner. Great work team getting such a good outcome!

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/361015194/solo-yachtie-rescued-10km-canterbury-coast

Six crew members reached the 9m yacht within an hour of setting out on the rescue.

18/07/2026

‘Guardians of Cook Strait’ living up to their name. 🛥️ 🦸‍♀️

Every day the Seapatroller crew are out on the water protecting one of Aotearoa’s most critical assets - our HVDC and telecommunications submarine cables laying along Cook Strait’s seafloor.

Their work happens quietly, 24/7, in one of the most challenging marine environments in the world. 🌊

But every now and then, their role extends beyond protection, and into rescue. 🛟

Late last year, during heavy weather in the early hours of a Sunday morning, a mayday call came through from a solo person onboard a sinking vessel needing immediate help.

The Rescue Coordination Centre then called on Seaworks’ Seapatroller, and the crew jumped right into its response, carrying out a successful rescue in difficult conditions.

This response was recently recognised as part of New Zealand Search and Rescue Council’s awards, but it’s also a powerful reminder of something bigger.

While the Seapatroller exists to safeguard the Cook Strait Cable Protection Zone, its presence also contributes to the safety of everyone operating in these waters.

Our HVDC and telecommunications cables stretch around 40 kilometres across the seabed, forming a vital link between the North and South Islands and enabling reliable, resilient and cost-effective electricity supply nationwide.

Protecting this infrastructure is essential, which is why the Cable Protection Zone is continuously monitored and the Seapatroller team educates boaties, ensures compliance, and steps in when needed.

What this rescue also shows is the broader value of our investment and partnership with our friends at Seaworks Ltd.

A huge thank you to the skilled and committed Seapatroller crew for the vital role they play every day, and when it matters most. 🤝 🫡

16/07/2026

A special thank you to New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT)! This funding will help provide Wellington with an a critical rescue service into the future and ensure the safety of our volunteers, helping to save lives at sea.

Wellington is located at the “Roaring Forties” latitude; at this latitude consistent westerly winds are funnelled through the the narrow and hilly geographical area between the North and South Island’s. Putting to sea here can be made tricky by these factors, but ensuring our rescue vessels remain up to date gives us the best chance to achieve our mission.

Thank you NZCT, from the crew at Wellington Coastguard, and thank you from our future volunteers who will trust the deck under their feet because of your kind donation.

$200k for safer seas for Wellington Volunteer Coastguard

They're getting a new rescue vessel thanks to a $200,000K boost from NZCT!

Volunteer Melanie Templeton says, “A new rescue boat will give our crews greater confidence on the water and help ensure we can respond safely and effectively when emergencies happen in Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour.”

NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming lounges.”

09/07/2026

Lewis Gordon Robinson QSM
24 July 1938 – 29 June 2026

Wellington Volunteer Coastguard records with sadness the passing of Lewis Gordon Robinson QSM, known to many as Lew, who died peacefully in Wellington on 29 June 2026, not long after the passing of his beloved wife, Ann. He is survived by his children Angela, Grant, Michele and Vanessa, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

Lew gave long, distinguished and generous service to Wellington’s maritime community. His life on and around the water was one of practical seamanship, public service, leadership and commitment. He served as a master of the Police launch Lady Elizabeth II, as a Tugmaster at CentrePort, and was an active boat owner on several local vessels, including Alliance II. He also served as President of the New Zealand Merchant Navy Association, representing merchant seafarers at national commemorations, including Merchant Navy Day services.

Lew was also a voluntary Honorary Enforcement Officer supporting navigation safety in the Wellington region, promoting safe boating and improving awareness of water safety.

In 1989, Lew was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for Public Services in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, a fitting recognition of a lifetime of service to others.

For Coastguard Wellington, Lew was a deeply valued and influential figure. He served as a Unit President and later as Patron of the unit, and also as the primary Safety Officer. His service forms part of the wider story of a unit founded in the wake of the Wahine disaster and built by volunteers committed to saving lives on Wellington Harbour, Cook Strait and the surrounding waters. Through his leadership, seamanship and steady commitment, Lew helped carry that tradition forward.

Many crew members will remember Lew teaching and assessing them on their Boatmaster courses over the years. He shared his knowledge freely, expected high standards, and helped others build the skills and confidence needed to operate safely at sea. His influence can be seen not only in the vessels and projects he helped shape, but also in the people he trained, encouraged and guided.

Lew was instrumental in the acquisition and design of the rescue vessels Phoenix Rescue and Spirit of Wellington, and he designed the substantial cradle on which Spirit of Wellington sits. He provided advice and guidance to the team in running the unit’s 50th anniversary celebrations and, unknown to many, personally covered the unit’s membership costs to the International Marine Rescue Federation.

Lew also played a significant leadership role in the F69 project, which involved the preparation and eventual sinking of the former RNZN frigate Wellington off Island Bay to create a marine diving site and sanctuary. The project attracted international attention and became a spectacular and lasting part of Wellington’s maritime history.

For all his achievements, many will remember Lew most clearly for his sense of humour, his practicality, and his constant desire to “make things better”. That spirit was perhaps never better demonstrated than by his invention of an entirely new form of outboard motor. It was typical of Lew: imaginative, hands-on, purposeful, and just a little unexpected.

Lew leaves a remarkable legacy of friendship, service, leadership and generosity. Coastguard Wellington remembers him with deep respect, admiration and gratitude. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues, and to all in the Wellington maritime community who knew, worked with, served alongside, and learned from him.
Rest in peace, Lew.

Thank you.

06/07/2026

An absolute legend. He will be missed dearly.

30/06/2026

Last weekend, Coastguard Wellington and Wellington's Maritime Police Unit came together for a weekend of multi-agency training, strengthening the skills and teamwork that underpin effective maritime search and rescue.

Saturday saw crews take part in a Search and Rescue Exercise (SARex) after a simulated object was reported in the water off Point Halswell. Conditions were challenging, with 40-knot southerlies, rain showers, and poor visibility adding realism to the exercise.

Following a comprehensive briefing, multiple vessels conducted a coordinated search, successfully locating the target before returning to base for a thorough debrief to identify lessons and opportunities for improvement.

Sunday focused on refining practical vessel handling skills, including towing techniques, close-quarters manoeuvring, and barging procedures used to safely bring disabled vessels into a marina. Improved weather provided ideal conditions to practise, test, and fine-tune these essential skills.

Training alongside our partner agencies is invaluable. It builds strong working relationships, enhances coordination, and ensures we're ready to provide the Wellington community with the highest standard of maritime search and rescue when it matters most.

A big thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to another successful weekend of learning and collaboration.

17/06/2026

🌊 Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026 🌊

This National Volunteer Week, Wellington Volunteer Coastguard proudly recognises and thanks the incredible volunteers who give their time, skills, and dedication to keeping our community safe.

Their commitment makes a real difference, helping ensure that everyone can enjoy Wellington’s beautiful harbour and coastline safely.

Volunteering is at the heart of everything we do. Whether responding to emergencies, providing safety education, or supporting our operations behind the scenes, our volunteers embody the kiwi spirit of service, teamwork, and community.

To every member of our volunteer family: thank you for your passion, professionalism, and willingness to answer the call when it matters most. We’re proud to serve alongside you.

Happy National Volunteer Week, and thank you and kapai to volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand who make our communities stronger every day. 🇳🇿

09/06/2026

A BIG welcome to (left to right) James, Ingrid, Emma, and Stu who did exceptionally well over a very full on two training days.

Over the weekend we were joined by four new Recruits who all went through their Deckhand training.

It was an intensive weekend which culminated in an actual call-out on Sunday afternoon, giving them some real insight into how we operate during a live tasking.

The plan moving forward is for James, Ingrid, Emma, and Stu to participate in three trial crew days over the next couple of months so they can meet more of our team, get a better understanding of how we operate, and get the last few things ticked off.

09/06/2026

Some awesome Coastguard waihine doing some awesome things 🙌