Lyttelton, March 15, 2025 – After years of operating out of temporary facilities, Coastguard Canterbury has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Search & Rescue Centre at Lyttelton’s Naval Point. This long-awaited milestone marks a significant leap forward for the unit’s 25 dedicated volunteers and the wider search and rescue community.
The need for a new centre became clear after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake damaged Coastguard Canterbury’s previous building. While repairs allowed the unit to continue operating, the facility was ultimately demolished in 2020 as part of the Naval Point redevelopment ahead of the SailGP regatta, forcing volunteers to work from portable buildings. Now, as the centrepiece of the Naval Point Development Plan, this purpose-built 657sqm facility provides essential training, meeting, and radio rooms with a harbour lookout, along with secure storage for rescue vessels and equipment. Designed to improve efficiency, the new centre ensures volunteers have the resources they need to respond swiftly to emergencies on the water.
The build was made possible with a $1,657,815 million grant from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, alongside contributions from Coastguard New Zealand, key partners and the local community.
"This new facility is a game-changer for Coastguard Canterbury," says Mark Leggett, President of Coastguard Canterbury. "For more than a decade, our volunteers have worked tirelessly from portacoms, waiting for a permanent base. Now, thanks to the support of Christchurch City Council, Coastguard New Zealand, community donors, and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, we finally have a home that matches the dedication of our crew."
Coastguard Canterbury plays a critical role in keeping water users safe, responding to a growing number of incidents each year. The past summer alone (December 2024 – February 2025) saw the crew respond to 22 incidents, assisting 54 people in need. Over the 2023/24 financial year, volunteers dedicated over 8,000 hours to rescue efforts, responding to 66 incidents and helping 193 people.
"We’re seeing more people out on the water than ever before, and with that comes an increased need for our services," Leggett adds. "This new centre ensures we can continue to provide fast, effective responses when boaties need us most. It’s not just an investment in our volunteers – it’s an investment in the safety of everyone on the water."
The official opening event, held at the new centre on March 15 at 1:30pm, brought together volunteers, community leaders, and supporters as well as the Governor General Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, to celebrate this significant milestone. With its doors now open, the facility stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of Coastguard Canterbury and the many hands that helped bring it to life.
ENDS
For media enquiries or to request high-resolution images from the opening, please contact [email protected]
