Vehicle donated to Manawatu Coastguard

Horizons issued a press release yesterday in regard to our donation... here it is.

Volunteers at the Manawatu Coastguard can now respond to incidents faster and drier thanks to the Horizons Emergency Management Group donation of a used vehicle.

The SsangYong ute was formerly owned by the Manawatu District Council (MDC) and was transferred to Horizons when the MDC contracted its emergency management services to the regional council.

The ute was not fully suitable for Horizons’ use and would have been tendered for sale. But when Horizons became aware of the Coastguard’s need for a vehicle the donation idea was suggested to the council’s executives.

Manawatu Coastguard President, Leighton Judd, says the ute is a great asset to them.

“It means we can make a far quicker response to incidents as we can tow our jet ski down the beach, instead of getting to the scene on our jet ski or on our boat. In some instances, especially at night, the ute will mean our response is far more efficient.”

Leighton Judd says the Coastguard had intended on fundraising to purchase a vehicle. The hard work involved with fundraising can now be focussed on purchasing radio equipment for the ute, as well a major project to buy a new Coastguard boat.

“All of our members are volunteers and up until now we have all used our private vehicles when necessary. We do a lot of support work for the surf lifesaving clubs on the Manawatu and Kapiti coastline and the ute will also be used to respond to swimmers and people in trouble in the sea."

Horizons Emergency Manager Officer, Ross Brannigan, says he is delighted that Horizons executive members agreed to donate the vehicle. There is an important working relationship between the council and the Coastguard, he said.

“Horizons has Harbourmaster responsibilities, and in circumstances like a marine oil spill or anything to do with maritime safety we need to call on the services of the Coastguard boat. Donating a vehicle has done a lot to cement excellent working relationships between us.”