Papakura Coastguard

31/05/2026

🚤 Lifejackets save lives !

Almost 10 years ago, the Coastguard units of Papakura, Titirangi, and Waiuku, alongside the Police Eagle helicopter and Auckland Airport hovercraft, combined resources in the search for a missing father and daughter on the Manukau Harbour.

It was a long and challenging night, and for those volunteers and emergency service personnel involved, it remains a night that will never be forgotten.

Today, in his third article examining Auckland Council’s proposal to strengthen current lifejacket rules, journalist Tom Rose reflects on some of the tragic incidents that have occurred on these waters and the lessons they continue to teach us.

The Manukau Harbour is a beautiful but unforgiving environment. Wearing a lifejacket and being prepared before heading out on the water can make all the difference when things go wrong.

We encourage everyone to take a few moments to read Tom’s article and consider why stronger lifejacket rules are being proposed.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/decades-of-preventable-deaths-on-aucklands-manukau-harbour-sparks-call-for-tougher-lifejacket-rules/VO2NSAVG3FG47LSGW5BVJIKAPA/ Compulsory lifejackets: Decades of drownings on Auckland’s Manukau Harbour spark call for change

30/05/2026

🚤 Lifejackets save lives!

As part of his experience with us, featured in our post yesterday, journalist Tom Rose describes what it was like trying to swim back to a boat without wearing a lifejacket.

The exercise highlighted just how quickly a seemingly manageable situation can become exhausting and dangerous, even in relatively calm conditions.

Everyone at Papakura Coastguard, Waiuku Coastguard and Coastguard New Zealand fully support Auckland Council’s proposal to strengthen current lifejacket rules, which, if adopted, would require all people on vessels under 6 metres to wear a lifejacket while underway.

Every year, Coastguard volunteers respond to incidents where a lifejacket makes the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Wearing a lifejacket is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe on the water.

We encourage all boaties to make wearing a lifejacket a habit every time they head out.

Tom Rose tested the case for tougher lifejacket laws by taking a dive without one.

30/05/2026

🚤 Lifejackets save lives!

Recently, volunteers from Papakura Coastguard were stoked to team up with Coastguard New Zealand and Waiuku Coastguard to help run a media simulation with the NZ Herald showing just how quickly someone can get into serious trouble after unexpectedly falling from a boat without a lifejacket.

The exercise gave the article’s author, Tom Rose, a chance to see first-hand the challenges faced by a person in the water without a lifejacket.

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of our crews at the simulation.

As volunteers who regularly respond to incidents across the Manukau Harbour and surrounding waters, we’ve seen the difference a properly fitted lifejacket can make. Unfortunately, too many avoidable tragedies happen when people unexpectedly end up in the water without one.

New Zealand Coastguard as a whole supports the proposed Auckland Navigation Bylaw changes that would require lifejackets to be worn on recreational vessels 6 metres and under while underway. We think it’s a simple, practical change that will help save lives and make the rules more consistent for boaties around New Zealand.

A big thank you to everyone who helped share this important safety message.



https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-council-proposes-compulsory-lifejackets-on-small-boats-in-bylaw-change/4QFP4M6TKFAN3CKBZ2CQ6VVBNI/

27/05/2026

Here at Papakura Coastguard, we are driven by volunteers. We may all have different backgrounds, but we are united by our mission of Saving Lives on the Water.

14/05/2026

🚤 Coastguard Training Activity – Weymouth Area

Members of the public may notice a small vessel anchored just off Weymouth today. Please be advised this is part of a scheduled Coastguard training exercise.

There is no cause for concern — this is a planned activity to help keep our crews rescue-ready.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Coastguard on *500.

Thank you for your support 💙

07/05/2026

Last night our volunteers from Papakura Coastguard had the opportunity to visit our closest neighbours Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol and take a closer look around their aircraft and operations.

Air support plays a huge role in Search and Rescue operations. From the sky, crews can cover large search areas far quicker than vessels alone, helping spot people, vessels, hazards, and debris that can be difficult to see from sea level. Working together between air and sea crews helps improve coordination and gives the best possible chance of a successful outcome.

The evening provided plenty of learning, great discussion, and an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between our volunteer teams.

Of course, no good training evening is complete without finishing things off with pizza and drinks together afterwards!

A big thank you to the Auckland Air Patrol team for hosting us and sharing their knowledge and experience.

24/04/2026

10/04/2026

🚤 Why is there a Coastguard boat at Mitre 10?!

No, we haven’t taken a wrong turn in the Manukau… and no, we’re not launching from the timber yard 😄

It can only mean one thing — we’re on the BBQ! 🌭🔥

Come on down, say hello to the crew, grab yourself a sizzling sausage or upgrade to a proper bacon, egg & sausage sandwich if you’ve got a big DIY mission ahead.

And while you’re at it, pop into Columbus At Mitre 10 Takanini for something sweet and a caffeine boost ☕

Support your local volunteers, have a yarn, and help us keep saving lives on the water. See you there!

31/03/2026

BREAKING NEWS: Sea Floor Makeover Underway!

In a bold move to support local fishers and improve marine navigation, Papakura Coastguard — in conjunction with a very understanding local charitable trust — is taking part in a trail painting contour lines directly onto the seabed.

Why? Because sometimes, finding the right fishing spot is like trying to locate your car in Sylvia Park on Christmas Eve. With painted contours, you’ll know exactly where the snapper hang out, where the kahawai cruise, and where the gurnard gossip.

We’d like to thank our brave volunteer divers armed with waterproof paint and spirit levels, working tirelessly between tides, while our rescue boat provides surface monitoring. Just remember — if you see someone under your boat with a stencil and a roller, it’s all perfectly official.

Coming soon: glow-in-the-dark fish labels! (Pending funding approval and fish consent.)

Stay safe out there — and remember, if you’re lost at sea, at least now you can follow the lines back home.

02/03/2026