September Speaker - Cherie Nelson
Cherie Nelson, who is a volunteer with the Whangarei Volunteer Coastguard and President of
the unit, was our main speaker. Their unit consists of 63 units around the country that make up Coastguard New Zealand, which is a charity that saves lives at sea and maritime and rescue service. They work closely with NZ Police and the Rescue Co-ordination Centre when the
need arises. The first coastguard unit was formed in 1898 and was manned by volunteers. This is still the case today and they now have 2000 people who are giving their time to keep people safe on the water. 70% of the funding comes from the national membership scheme for boaties and 30% comes
from a service agreement with the New Zealand Government. If you are a coastguard member and require assistance out on the water, help to get to safety will be free. If you are not a member, the help will be there at a cost of $280.00 per hour (this price might have increased by the time you get to read
this).
Whangarei Coastguard have 22 wet crew trained volunteers as well as 5 shore crew and 8 trainees
who have joined in the last 3 months. Last year they brought 258 people home to safety. 2082 volunteer hours were water hours, training, administration and maintenance. Cherie – who works full time, is also doing training modules to become a senior crew member. This was just a little insight to the lives of many busy people who continue to give so much to New Zealand and where we would all be without them I hate to think. Thank you Cherie for all that you and others who are working with you do, to keep so many people safe and happy on the water.
Review by Shirley Royds
