History of Coastguard in New Zealand

The Establishment of a Coastguard Unit often follows a Local Tragedy

Most Coastguard Units have been started up by passionate locals following a local boating tragedy, determined that their local community would not suffer in a similar way again. 

It is only recently that all Coastguard Units around the country have worked together under the one brand and common logo.  This has enabled the organisation to more effectively market itself to the boating public of New Zealand, working to better spread the word about boating safety, and implementing safety initiatives that enhance safety for all New Zealanders when they participate in boating and water activities.

The First Coastguard in New Zealand

The operation of a marine Search and Rescue organization dates back to records held in the late 19th century. In October 1861, the first report of a lifeboat being used, appeared in the Lyttleton Times.

The first official lifeboat was ordered by the Canterbury Provincial Secretary, in June 1862 and 2 years later it arrived and was stationed at Timaru. It served off the Canterbury coast for another 20 years.

The first permanent rescue service was established at Sumner in 1898 and the Sumner Lifeboat Institute still exists today as a member of the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Inc.

New Zealand Coastguard Federation

The Federation was established in 1976, when a group of local sea rescue organizations formed a National body to give them a voice at a National level and assist with the ever present funding issues. The organisation has grown to 73 affiliated units, including Coastguard Air Patrols, stationed around New Zealand.

The Royal New Zealand Coastguard Federation Inc

In 1990 Royal Patronage was granted to the New Zealand Coastguard and Prince Charles willingly accepted the role of Patron.

The Royal New Zealand Coastguard Inc

In 2004 the 63 Coastguard Affilliated Units around New Zealand agreed to regionalisation, with each Unit falling under the responsibility of one of four Regions. The organisation adopted one single logo, replacing the several different identities that various Units and clusters had hitherto been using. This paved the way for Coastguard in New Zealand to better develop its brand recognition and organisational profile.The following year the word "Federation" was dropped, with the national body now known as The Royal New Zealand Coastguard Inc.