Coastguard services at Maraetai, search and rescue at Waiuku, and lifesaving at Kariaotahi have all won funding from Franklin Local Board’s Coastal Rescue Services Fund.
Coastguard Maraetai receives $40,000 towards new engines and its operating costs, including tractor and rescue vessel expenses.
Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi gets $5849 towards rescue and safety equipment, including emergency flares, pelican cases, torches, lifejackets and a scout camera.
Waiuku Search and Rescue’s $20,100 is for classroom electronics, to upgrade search equipment, and for a night vision system.
The fund supports sea rescue and survival skills training, with the board supporting volunteers who provide the services.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says training costs, vessel accommodation expenses, training and equipment can all be supported.
"Franklin has a lot of coastline and we are lucky to have the dedicated volunteers who give up their own time, so people can call on them in the event of emergency."
Coastguard Maraetai is on call 24/7 and attended more than 150 incidents last year, with more than 400 people rescued, including 40 children.
Franklin west coach beach Kariaotahi’s wild nature makes volunteer life-savers critical. Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi’s current rescue incident equipment is at the end of its life.
Funding for Search and Rescue Waiuku will see the base’s electronic teaching facilities upgraded, and a second set of night vision equipment obtained.
The board also made the following allocations from its second local grants round:
- Show Me Shorts Film Festival, $1301 for Pukekohe screenings
- Spud Union Singing Group, $624 towards Positive Ageing Expo
- Plunket, $737 to support Waiuku music group and Pokeno coffee club
- Life Education, $1500 for Franklin programme costs
- Parenting Place, $1004 for Franklin Attitude programmes
- Kawakawa Bay-Orere Health Clinic, $875 for Wellness Day
- Waiuku Toy Library, $2000 for relocation costs
- Blue Light Ventures, $1890 for Fun Day costs for Franklin youth
- Yorkshire Society, $850 towards costs of Yorkshire Day event.
