 Coastguard throughout New Zealand has developed considerably over the last five years since the regional structure was put in place which included the establishment of Coastguard Northern Region which assists the 25 Coastguard units/groups that we have in the area from Thames across to Kawhia and north.
That cooperation within our region as well as other parts of New Zealand has enabled training for the 1,000 unpaid professionals who man our rescue vessels, Air Patrol Aircraft and our communications throughout the region, to be standardised and be delivered to a much higher standard than ever before.
It has also enabled us to work within the region and nationally to identify what our requirements for replacement Rescue Vessels and aircraft are and to plan the delivery and funding in such a way so that we are able to attract a sustainable level of funding for our organisation. The launch that I attended recently of Pub Charity Hokianga Rescue at Opononi is an excellent example of how that planning is benefiting Coastguard at a local level.
You will also read in this issue of “In the Loop” the news that for the first time, the government will be providing some much needed funding for Coastguard. This recognition by Government is the result of many years hard work by Coastguard’s volunteers and paid staff to develop an effective National organisation that can deliver in our communities.
This column will be my last as President of Coastguard Northern Region as it is a requirement of our constitution that nobody can serve more than three, one year terms. I have enjoyed my time as President immensely and it has been a source of great pride to see both the units within the region and the Region itself go from strength to strength. I would like to thank all of our very dedicated volunteers and the support of our small group of staff who have all contributed to the continuous development of Coastguard within the region
A large part of the reason for that success is the support that we have received from the boating community and in particular our supporter members. We have seen a consistent increase in membership which has culminated this year in the region receiving over $1million in membership for the first time ever. That level of support not only enables us to provide a lot of the resources that are necessary to run our rescue vessels and aircraft and maintain our communication infrastructure, but also shows our people that our community greatly appreciates the work that is done. Thank you for your support.
Safe Boating
Jody L Foster
President
Coastguard Northern Region Inc.
|
