Coastguard Kaipara celebrates opening of new rescue centre in Parakai

Parakai, 10 September 2024 – Coastguard Kaipara is set to open the doors to its new Kaipara Marine Rescue Centre in Parakai this Saturday. Located at the end of Springs Road, this purpose-built base marks a significant upgrade from their former base at the Kaipara Cruising Club in Helensville, where volunteers have been operating for the past decade.

Since 1979, Coastguard Kaipara volunteers have been responding to incidents in Southern Hemisphere’s largest harbour, known for its challenging characteristics, including tidal fluctuations, extensive sandbanks, and narrow, shallow channels. Last year alone, volunteers contributed nearly 4,592 hours to saving lives on the water, responding to 17 incidents and assisting 41 people get home safely.

The new centre’s location allows far easier access to the Kaipara River mouth, overcoming the long-standing challenges of low tide launching and retrieval. “This new rescue centre is a huge win for our community and our volunteers,” says Coastguard Kaipara Vice President Greg Skinner.

“It’s designed to not only boost our operational capabilities but also to give our volunteers a safe and effective space for training and carrying out rescues. We’ve been working towards this for a long time, and it’s a real game-changer for us.”

The 15m x 18m centre is equipped with a deep mezzanine floor, solar power, water collection, and independent waste systems, making it largely self-sufficient. Other key features include:

A community facility designed to support local initiatives and run training programmes, including our flagship bar awareness seminars.
Dedicated space for two rescue vessels, tow vehicles, a workshop, a training area, and crew locker rooms.
24-hour launch capability to allow volunteers to respond to emergencies even faster, no matter the time or tide.
Insulation for reduced energy costs and a comfortable environment for volunteers.

The fundraising efforts for this $970,000 project have been massive. “This was made possible through the generous support of Coastguard New Zealand, local organisations, private donors, and various volunteers. Our special thanks go to architects Congo Design, Deane Consultancy Limited for geotechnical services, and key contributors like Foundation North, Winstone Aggregates, Atlas Concrete, Auckland Volunteer Coastguard Charitable Trust, Local iwi Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, and the Lions Club of Helensville,” says Greg Skinner.

Coastguard Regional Manager – North, Jonny Bannister said the establishment of Kaipara Marine Rescue Centre is critical for a community that loves getting out on the water and enjoying everything the moana has to offer.

“This new rescue centre is a massive step in Coastguard’s commitment to providing our volunteers with the best support to continue their lifesaving work,” he explained.

"Over the years, we've seen how unforgiving the Kaipara Harbour can be, challenging even the most experienced boaties. That's why the volunteers at Coastguard Kaipara—an incredibly dedicated group of locals who’ve saved so many lives on the water—truly deserve this new rescue centre, which will support their growth and success for years to come."

The public is welcome to visit the new rescue centre from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, 14 September. Check out some amazing shots of the new rescue centre here.

For further information, please contact Vice President Greg Skinner at 027 674 2762 or via email at [email protected].

ENDS