Coastguard National Volunteer Awareness Week June 16-22

Coastguard New Zealand celebrated its extensive network of dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2013 (June 16-22), which shines the limelight on New Zealanders who donate their time to the community.

Keen fisherman and former All Blacks Coach, Sir Graham Henry, who was an ambassador for this year's MayDay Appeal, says: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and it is important to recognise the many New Zealanders who willingly gift their time to Coastguard and hundreds of other charity organisations."

Money raised from the MayDay Appeal is being used to train the charity's volunteers who play a critical role in its ongoing mission to save lives at sea.

In 2013 alone, Coastguard's volunteers will give over 350,000 hours of their time and save more than 7,100 lives at sea.

Coastguard New Zealand CEO Patrick Holmes says: "The dedication and hard work of Coastguard volunteers, both on and off the water, is a true credit to our organisation.

"Coastguard would not be what it is today without the passion, hard work and skills of the women and men who give up their time and risk their lives to ensure boaties are kept safe on New Zealand waters.

"Many people don't realise that our volunteers also contribute a great deal of their time off the water, helping their local Units raise funds so that they can continue to best serve their community and the boating public," Patrick says.

Coastguard has had a busy 12 months, adding a new unit - Coastguard Houhora - to the fold, and launching six new rescue vessels: Maketu, Taranaki, Waihi Beach, Manawatu, Maraetai and Hibiscus Coast.

For more information about Coastguard New Zealand, or to make a donation, click here.