NZ rescue award to Coastguard Gisborne

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Coastguard Gisborne have been declared joint winners in Coastguard New Zealand’s Awards of Excellence in the Rescue of the Year category.

“The awards acknowledge the incredible efforts of volunteers in the face of adversity,” a Coastguard NZ spokesman said.

The prestigious ‘Rescue of the Year’ award recognises an exceptional rescue crew, in this case crews, who have undertaken an outstanding Search and Rescue or Coastguard operation.

The Gisborne team shared it with their colleagues from Hawke’s Bay.

“When a call-out is received, you always hope for a positive outcome,” the spokesman said. “Sadly, on this day, a life could not be saved. However, the operation to recover a missing diver last November at Black Reef, Māhia, is a testament to those involved.

“Coastguard Gisborne and Coastguard Hawkes’ Bay volunteers, along with other Search and Rescue (SAR) partners, including the Trust Tairawhiti Rescue Helicopter, involved in that incident, acted with great respect, integrity, professionalism, altruism, dedication, and cooperation, exemplifying the Coastguard values.”

The spokesman said the Gisborne rescue helicopter and Coastguard Gisborne were initially tasked to the rescue and Coastguard Hawke’s Bay later joined the operation.

Coastguard Gisborne searched the southern end of the Māhia Peninsula, while Coastguard Hawke’s Bay started north of the last known point and conducted a shoreline search.

The rescue helicopter conducted an aerial search.

There was no sign of the missing man on the first day. His body was located in a rock pool the next day and recovered by the police dive squad.

Coastguard New Zealand chief executive Callum Gillespie said the incident involved numerous individuals and assets, and presented various challenges, including the considerable distance.

“Collaboration among partners, open communication and meticulous planning were critical in the search efforts.

“While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, it showcased the courage, resilience, and dedication of all those involved in their efforts to bring closure to the family.”