Wellington Volunteer Coastguard

29/05/2026

A big shout out to Wellington Coastguard’s very own Mel Templeton!

Recently our President James Goombridge presented Mel with this gift, showing the unit’s appreciation for all her hard work in fundraising for a new Coastguard Rescue Vessel.

Dedicated rescue vessels are purpose build, require significant investment and take many hours to develop, plan for and implement.

Thanks to the work of volunteers like Mel, we are stepping closer to a modern and capable vessel to serve the Wellington region.

21/05/2026

At approximately 8.30pm last night, Wellington Coastguard volunteers gathered and launched Spirit of Wellington having received a tasking from the New Zealand Police.

The rescue crew were tasked with facilitating a medical evacuation from a yacht approximately 7 nautical miles SE of Cape Palliser (Matakitakiakupe).

This was a big job for our crew who returned safely home, handed the rescued sailor over to Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics and washed the boat down at 4am.

The 8 hour trip, covering roughly 82 nautical miles all up, demonstrates the commitment our volunteers have to saving lives at sea and our capacity to do so.

A big warm and dry thank you to NZ Police, Maritime NZ, RCCNZ and the families who supported this mission.

25/04/2026

7.42am - The phones go and the crew assembled for a ANZAC day morning rescue.

Single handed sailor required some assistance getting back into his marina berth after a night out with engine issues.

Great result all round! Have a safe ANZAC weekend all!

22/04/2026

20/04/2026

Be aware a state of emergency has been declared for the Wellington region.

Met-service has issued a storm warning for the Cook Strait.

Avoid the harbour and south coast as it’s gnarly out there with 3.5m swell at Baring Head.

Heavy rain and some strong wind is hitting the capital so please ensure you stay safe and warm.

19/04/2026

A special thank you to all family members and friends of Coastguard Volunteers!

Saving lives at sea is at the heart of everything Wellington Coastguard does.

Our volunteers push every week to provide a highly trained, professional emergency rescue service for those who need it most on the water.

Every callout, every training session and every safe return is made possible by our dedicated volunteers and by extension their family and friends. Volunteers give their time, skills, and commitment to ensure our coastline is safer for everyone from boaties and fishers to families out enjoying the harbour.

As a community, we’re making a real difference on the water. 🚤🌊

26/02/2026

A massive thank you to the Petone Working Men’s Club for the outstanding donation.

The Club has again donated a significant amount, fundraised through the Petone Charity Fishing Competition.

Congratulations and thanks to all those who took part on the day!

This funding goes straight into supporting Wellington Coastguards operational capability, ensuring we can actively train and when required undertake search and rescue operations.

Wellington Coastguard has been operating for 57 years (since 1969🤯). Without donations and support from the community none of this would have been possible. So thanks again Petone Working Mans Club and thanks again to all those who took part on the day!

13/02/2026

Ahoy Wellington boaties, please be aware that from Sunday and through into Monday a significant wind is expected with 60knots forecasted from the south bringing heavy swell with it.

Stay safe out there and remember to check on your vessels if they are moored in the Wellington region.

08/02/2026

Please support Wellington Coastguard in our 2026 Summer Lottery appeal!

08/02/2026

Please support Coastguard Wellington and be in the draw to win some amazing prizes, including a Ford Ranger Stormtrak Hybrid, Haines Hunter 545,and incredible overseas holidays.

If you purchase five tickets, you will also receive a complimentary ticket giving you another chance to win! And.... because you are buying through Coastguard Wellington, you also go in the draw to win a bonus prize of a $10,000 Niue holiday! 70% of the ticket price comes directly back to our Unit to help us continue to save lives at sea.

Just scan the QR code to purchase tickets, and you're in to win! Thanks for supporting Coastguard Wellington!