"The big circular building along Tamaki Drive at Mechanics Bay ". Sited in an ideal location to keep watch over boating activities in the harbour, the Marine Rescue Centre was built with a donation from the now disbanded Auckland Harbour Board, for a rescue centre for the people of Auckland .

 In 1991 Auckland Volunteer Coastguard (now Coastguard Northern Region)and Auckland Surf Lifesaving Association (now Surf Lifesaving Northern Region) took possession, and both have undertaken their operations here, together with the Maritime Police and Harbour Master since. The Centre is surrounded on its seaward side by a secure marina which houses the Coastguard Rescue Vessels and Police boats.

The Operations Room is well equipped with 7 stations, each with dual monitor, and multi -channel radio and telephone communications capabilities. Software technology enables operators to immediately identify callers by boat or call sign, and concurrently locate their position on the on-screen chart. In a marine emergency, this room becomes the operational centre for all major rescue services, including the Police, Fire and Ambulance.

The Centre also houses several lecture and meeting rooms, all of which are available for hire to public groups. Please call Jess on 09 303 9365 for details.