Out going President, Ian Motion. Eastern Region Manager, Graeme Hull. New President, Eric Carr

Its’ not until you start on this report that you realise just how busy the volunteers of this Coastguard Unit are and how committed to our community we all are.

Our core function of search and rescue has seen a variety of callouts throughout the year to keep the crews on their toes.

Yachts on the rocks have featured twice, with the most recent of these being the commercial vessel ‘Barbary’ after suffering mechanical failure on a regular trip to the Maori Carvings. As well, a small catamaran broke up in heavy weather, involving people in the water and the recovery of yacht pieces.

Night time, poor weather, mechanical failure and alcohol made a couple of searches very interesting. In the case involving alcohol, the boat owner knew he had broken down and that it was night time. Disturbingly, he was unaware that he was also lost!

Great team unity featured in a three-vessel search for a vessel missing out of Tokaanu. It was awesome to see Police, Harbourmaster and volunteers from Turangi and Taupo working so closely together.

The Waikato River continues to be hard on volunteers as it usually involves searching for and assisting Police with victim recovery. However, we did have one variation there when we were able to assist the Police with their search for a machete-carrying suspect in the vicinity of the Huka Falls. Somewhat ironically this person survived! Last week Mighty River Power Rescue was tasked by the Police to assist with the search for two missing fishermen on Lake Arapuni. It was an unsuccessful search but it was good to be able to assist the Police further afield. We are very lucky to have such a good working relationship with Taupo Police and the Harbourmaster and staff. 

That’s just some of the more interesting callouts. Of course, we have numerous other tows etc for members and non-members.

We have two great CRVs to call on, to which improvements, repairs and maintenance is ongoing. Taupo Rescue has new tubes as part of its R & M programme and some very high tech night-vision equipment, kindly donated by the Masons Foundation. MRP Rescue finally has a Fit for Purpose Certificate, which has been a very drawn-out process for Warren.

Our unit finances continue to be sound and this is due in no small way to our major sponsor, Mighty River Power. This is a great example of their commitment to our community and we thank them for their ongoing support. It allows volunteers to concentrate on core functions. One big thing this has allowed the Committee to do is start a hull replacement fund which we hope to grow year by year for the time we eventually do need to replace a vessel.

 The main time we do ask you volunteers and supporters for time to fundraise is in the lead-up to Christmas when we sell Summer Lottery tickets to Christmas shoppers. It’s a lot to ask but this raised $16,989 and we will continue to make this our major fundraising focus. We thank Coastguard New Zealand for running this and other lotteries.

The strength of our Coastguard ‘brand’ here in Taupo was again highlighted in the Trust Power Community Awards where we were the winners in the Sports and Leisure category. This is a real coup in our events town! Other businesses have supported us too. Staff members from State Insurance here in Taupo entered a local Biggest Loser competition and nominated our organisation to raise funds for. The ASB Bank is working with Coastguard NZ and here in town we are beginning to work together. We had a display in the Bank during the new MAYDAY promotion, which is sure to grow. As usual we attended many events to raise awareness of our organisation and promote water safety, so here are the ones I have recorded: Offshore Power Boats, Across the Lake Swim, NZ Ironman, Huka River Swim, Tuwharetoa Waka Ama Regatta, Pike River Tragedy Vigil, Mid Winter Swim, More FM Raft Race, Trans-Taupo Kayak, Tri-Off Road, Hobbies Expo, Christmas Parade and Rescue Helicopter Open Day.

Coastguard New Zealand has been making substantial changes over the last few years. Through them and Coastguard Eastern Region many opportunities are opening up for our volunteers. The National Conference was held at Wairakei and a number of committee members were able to attend. Speakers came from America, China and Germany and explained their part on the international scene. Workshops also covered various aspects of Coastguard volunteering.  Warren Tilson applied and was selected to attend a training course in Canada covering IRB handling. James Moss has been to a Leadership course and Peter Shepherd attended an advanced SAROPS course. Another group attended a marine first aid course in Napier. This can only strengthen our unit, as individuals learn new skills then share the knowledge they gain.

Now, a bit about our people. Not only do they volunteer here in Taupo but we have three working at Regional level: John Bates continues on the OPSCOM Board and Peter Shepherd is joined by Barry Trott on the Eastern Region Board.

Clive Nelson is taking a step back with CGBE here in Taupo but still keeping an active interest as he assists Bill Irvine into the role. So thank you Clive and Shirley for the work you have both done and continue to do 

After five years in charge of finances, Julie Burgess is stepping down as treasurer. It’s been great for me to have this important job in such safe hands. It’s an important role and she has worked with integrity and will work with the incoming Treasurer to ensure a smooth transition.

Thank you also to Peter Aurisch who is taking a break from committee after 13 years. He has played a big role in the Radio and Website departments and will continue to assist with these portfolios off committee.

The committee would like to thank Peter Bate for his years as our Patron and welcome Michael Drake to the position. Both of these gentlemen are long time supporters and are still on call as Marine Advisors. 

Finally, thank you to everyone who has supported me while President. It has been an honour to lead this Unit and I wish Eric good luck and know that he will receive your support as well.

Ian Motion 06/09/11