Supreme Award Volunteer of the Year/Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year – Rachel Hessey, Coastguard Hibiscus CoastÂ
Coastguard has announced its awards of excellence in 12 categories.
Supreme Award Volunteer of the Year/Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year – Rachel Hessey, Coastguard Hibiscus CoastÂ
The supreme Coastguard award sponsored by Naiad, commends an individual who has demonstrated the utmost in excellence in their commitment to the work they do in Coastguard. This supreme award is evaluated through the judging of the individual volunteer categories that cover each area of expertise.Â
Outstanding Leadership Award – Paul and Jayne Wheeler, Coastguard West CoastÂ
This award, sponsored by JumpShift, recognises those who make a difference and lead the way. These volunteers are held in high regard for the leadership, initiative, and commitment they bring to their unit and Coastguard.Â
Unit of the Year– Coastguard Lake TaupoÂ
This award, sponsored by Hutchwilco, recognises the unit who in the past year has achieved excellence in all aspects of its management and operational activities.Â
Rescue of the Year– Coastguard SumnerÂ
This prestigious award, sponsored by Rayglass, recognises an exceptional rescue crew who have undertaken an outstanding Search and Rescue or Coastguard operation.
Community Engagement Unit of the Year – Coastguard MaketuÂ
This award, sponsored by Tower, recognises excellence in the areas of public relations, fundraising or community engagement activity by an individual or group.Â
Support Volunteer of the Year– Geoff Eban, Coastguard NelsonÂ
This award, sponsored by Century, recognises excellence in supporting roles within units and regions, such as board or committee roles, shore crew, training officers, secretaries and other non-operational volunteers.Â
Emerging (Young) Volunteer of the Year– Tara Doak, Coastguard ManaÂ
This award, sponsored by Mercury, recognises a newer volunteer under 30, who has demonstrated the commitment and dedication required to be an outstanding volunteer, and who has already made a great contribution.Â
Communication / Incident Management Team Volunteer of the Year– Matt Shelton, Communications NorthÂ
This award, sponsored by Wireless Nation, recognises excellence in the performance of Radio Operators and Volunteers working in Incident Management roles that support Search and Rescue (SAR) and Coastguard Operations.
Air Patrol Special Merit Award – Auckland Coastguard Air PatrolÂ
Our eyes in the skies are vital in our search and rescue response and contribute significantly to our ability to achieve our Vision of ‘No lives lost at sea.’Â
Over the past 12 months, both Air Patrol units have been involved in multiple searches across the North Island, supporting Coastguard units on the water and other search and rescue agencies.
President’s Award – Sue Tucker, Coastguard New ZealandÂ
The first ever President’s Award was presented to Sue Tucker.Â
A trailblazing individual, Sue was earlier this year recognised for her contribution to promoting and supporting safer boating and the marine industry as the first ever female inductee into the esteemed Hall of Fame of the Hutchwilco Boat Show.
Honorary Life Member – Ian Coard, Coastguard Riverton
At last year’s AGM, Ian Coard from Coastguard Riverton was inducted as an Honorary Life Member of Coastguard New Zealand. Ian has given more than 34 years of service to our organisation, undertaking numerous governance roles including CNZ President for three years, CNZ Board Member for eight years and Southern Region Board Member for nine years.Â
