NEW UNIT ANCHORS IN MANGAWHAI - COASTGUARD
A new chapter in coastal safety is underway in Mangawhai, with a trial Coastguard unit being established to serve the community and its busy stretch of coastline.
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana has launched a trial unit in Mangawhai, designed to test the feasibility of a permanent presence in the fast-growing region. Running through to April 2026, the trial will see a temporary base, rescue vessel, and equipment put in place, supported by local volunteers and Coastguard staff. If all goes well, Mangawhai could soon be home to a fully fledged Coastguard base – something many locals say is overdue.
“Mangawhai has long been identified as a critical gap in our national search and rescue network,” says Coastguard Northern Regional Manager, Jonny Bannister. “This trial is a major milestone – not just for Coastguard, but for the safety of every boatie, local or visitor, who ventures out on these waters.”
The need is clear. In the past five years alone, at least nine incidents have required Coastguard assistance in Mangawhai’s waters. Local conditions add to the risk – the infamous Mangawhai Bar and a lack of shelter from swells can make even short trips hazardous. At present, rescues often rely on vessels dispatched from Whangārei or Kawau, with precious time lost in transit.
“During winter, if someone is reported overdue, there is a real risk they could succumb to the elements before help arrives,” Bannister explains. Meaning a local unit, could be the difference between life and death.
The Mangawhai Coastguard crew are already preparing for their first summer season. Their new vessel, Kokako Rescue – a nine- metre Rayglass Protector previously used in America’s Cup course marshalling – has been assigned to the unit. The vessel’s trailer is undergoing a full overhaul to withstand the challenges of beach launching, while a brand-new Massey Ferguson 5710 4WD tractor will help with deployment.
Equally important has been building the volunteer base. Enough locals have stepped up to staff three on-water crews, with many already trained to deckhand level and now working towards full crew qualifications. Training has been supported by Coastguard Whangārei, whose volunteers have generously shared their knowledge and time for both classroom and on-the-water training.
The initiative has strong community backing. A survey earlier this year showed nearly three-quarters of residents support the trial, while Kaipara District Council has provided storage for the vessel alongside the Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park and is assisting with beach access.
In a symbolic step forward, Kokako Rescue was officially blessed last month at a public ceremony, providing a chance for the community to see their new rescue vessel up close and to meet the volunteers who will crew it.
The trial will be evaluated across several measures – from response times to environmental impact and operational viability – before a decision is made on establishing a permanent base. But for now, the focus is clear: building capability, community trust, and a safer future for everyone who takes to the water in Mangawhai.
www.Coastguard.nz | info@Coastguard.nz