Coastguard Taranaki

Coastguard Taranaki was was set up during the summer of 1972-73. The Unit began by providing a marine radio service (which they
still do) to all vessels in the area, and using two small jet boats with gradually improving radio coverage, provided coverage for search
and rescue incidents. This was the norm for many years.

In 1999 Coastguard Taranaki purchased a 44 foot Waveney Class Lifeboat from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in the UK.
In recognition of Port Taranaki’s sponsorship to the Unit over many years, the vessel was named “Westgate Rescue”.

After some 25 years service in the UK and a further 12 years service with Coastguard Taranaki, “Westgate Rescue” was sold. Shortly before “Westgate Rescue” sailed from Port Taranaki for the last time, the Unit’s new rescue vessel “Todd Energy Rescue” was
commissioned on 3 November 2012. The vessel’s name recognises the lead sponsor behind the acquisition of this NZ designed and built
AMF 1170 Quick Response Vessel (QRV).