The North Kaipara Coastguard unit was formed in 1993.  Three years earlier the Otamatea Aero Club had been approached by the Northland Police Commander, who suggested the club start an Air Patrol unit.  The area to be covered was the Kaipara Harbour and West coast up to the Hokianga Harbour.

The North Kaipara Coastguard (made up of five regions,Ruawai, Pahi, Tinopai, Te Kopuru and Dargaville) does not own its own aircraft or a dedicated rescue vessel, instead, they rely on vessels of opportunity and the Aero Club Cessna.  The unit's rescue operations room is based in the Otamatea Aero Clubrooms at the Ruawai airfield and can, depending on pilot availability, send the Cessna 172 on a search within an hour.  Their radio operators also maintain a 24/7 listening watch on the local VHF channel 66.

ZK-DNT - Cessna 172

Sponsors:

Contact:

President: Ralph Williams

Email: ralph-w@xtra.co.nz

Meetings/Training:

Held at the Ruawai Airfield on the first Tuesday of the month, at 1930 hrs