Media Release
8 December 2000

The Howick Coast Guard And Council Sign Up For Another Three Years

The Howick Volunteer Coast Guard and the Manukau City Council have recently renewed their partnership for another three years. The Council, as part of the City’s contribution to the region’s search and rescue capabilities, underwrites the HVC.

As an integral part of that capability, the HVC has been providing search and rescue services since 1957, not only to the Howick community but all over the Waitemata and Hauraki Gulf.

Mayor of Manukau City Sir Barry Curtis said “The Volunteer Coastguard is an invaluable part of our community and has been for many years. I am very thankful that we have such a group within our City."

“As part of the Council’s obligation to the safety of its citizens and the support of such important work, I am pleased we can play a role in the Coast Guard's ongoing viability and hope its services are not called upon too often this summer.”

The HVC was formed in 1956 after three Howick teenagers drowned while out fishing, and the community realised the need for a rapid response rescue capability. The speed of response is still an imperative. The HVC’s pool of sixteen volunteers are on-call 24 hours a day and can launch the boat within seven minutes. With their current vessel able to reach speeds of 50 knots they can be in the Firth of Thames, the upper harbour or outer Gulf in less than half an hour.

Ends

Media Contact
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison Support Officer
Phone: 09 2628900 x 8650
Fax: 09 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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