Coastguard Volunteer Awards 2010
Four Coastguard volunteers were honoured for their work at a special awards lunch on Saturday. Pictured are L-R (rear) Gordon McKay, Rachel McKenzie, Murray Paul (front) Chris Astall, John McPhail President Coastguard Kaikoura.
Murray Paul is the Southern Region Coastguard Rescue Volunteer of the Year 2010 for his work with Coastguard Kaikoura. Murray has been a Coastguard volunteer for five years and is a Skipper of ‘Kaikoura Rescue‘. A dedicated volunteer he has been involved in many of the rescues undertaken by Coastguard Kaikoura including a severe North-West gale in December 2009 where the rescue vessel was needed for three separate incidents happening at the same time. Handling the 11.3 meter vessel around the rock shoreline in 70 knot winds demanded a high level of seamanship.
Gordon McKay is the Southern Region Coastguard Air Patrol Volunteer of the Year 2010 for his work with the Coastguard Canterbury Air Patrol. Gordon was involved in an air search for a yacht that stretched the capability of the aircraft as they sought to make radio contact from 6,000 feet with no land in sight. He is involved in training for his fellow volunteers and has extensive marine experience which is valuable in the liaison between the Air Patrol and the Marine Units.
Rachel McKenzie is Coastguard Southern Region Volunteer of the Year 2010. Rachel has been a member of Coastguard Canterbury for over 15 years. She has had many roles within the unit including Senior Skipper, Safety Officer, Search & Rescue Manager, Duty Officer and Board member. She has been involved in many search and rescue operations as either the Skipper of the rescue vessel or the shore based Operations Coordinator. She has been involved in training at every level both theory and practical as well as providing leadership and mentoring for new members.
Chris Astall is Coastguard Southern Region Operational Volunteer of the Year 2010. Chris has been a member of Coastguard Canterbury for three years and is a team leader, training manager and senior crew member. He has be instramentall in further developing the unit training activities with has seen an large increase in the number of volunteers participating in regular training nights.
Coastguard Kaikoura has won the Coastguard Southern Region Coastguard Performance of the Year 2010. Since 1974 Coastguard Kaikoura volunteers have been rescuing people along the beautiful but sometimes treacherous Kaikoura Coast. Earlier this year they rescued the crew of the yacht Marguerite in 5 metre breaking swells and 55-75km per hour winds. During the last twelve months they have rescued 53 people and had a 100% increase in Police initiated search and rescue missions.
The winners have been nominated for the national Coastguard Volunteer Awards which will be presented at the Coastguard Conference being held in Taupo on 17-19 September.
