New Zealand’s heroic Coastguard
Coastguard New Zealand is a civilian organisation that relies upon volunteers to rescue people lost at sea, on large lakes and rivers. The organisation has 63 units, nearly 2000 volunteers and saves over 6000 lives annually.
The level of co-ordination and commitment by these volunteers is staggering, especially for an organisation that relies mainly on donations and fund raising. Advanced Optics became a sponsor after we were left extremely impressed at the 2014 Coastguard New Zealand conference, which was vibrant and a real showcase of the organisation’s achievements.
At this year’s conference, held in Christchurch, our team member Jo Nichols made a speech and presented the Air Patrol Special Merit Award to Auckland Air Patrol. Advanced Optics donated two optics that Jo drew raffle tickets for, an ANV Gen3+ Night Vision Goggle, which was won by Coastguard Nelson (who kindly passed it over to Coastguard West Coast who has an immediate need for these), and a Pulsar Lexion XP Thermal Monocular which was won by Coastguard Tutukaka.
Coastguard New Zealand also offers boating education courses, advice and safety initiatives. They are a fine and worthy cause. For information about courses, becoming a member or fundraising, visit: coastguard.nz
