Coastguard Nelson may have a problem with too much weight in its vessel after collecting a haul of honours at Coastguard New Zealand's Volunteer Excellence Awards at the weekend.
The unit collected three national awards and a regional title, including the organisation's top gong, Unit of the Year.
Volunteers also claimed Crew Member of the Year, Outstanding Leadership Award and Unit Support Volunteer of the Year.
Adding to the celebrations, Peter Kara was made an honorary life member of the national body.
Coastguard Nelson says it is buoyed by the awards, and each reflects the efforts of its volunteers, their whānau and employers, who make it possible for them to respond when needed.
“Thank you to our wonderful Nelson Tasman community, sponsors and supporters who stand behind us. You all play an important part in what we achieve,” it says.
The Unit of the Year citation says Coastguard Nelson's nomination “reads like a masterclass in doing the job today while building for the future”.
It says the unit not only delivered an exemplary rescue record, saving lives and helping hundreds of people, but also strengthened its training, finances, volunteer base and community partnerships.
Geoff Eban, who joined Coastguard Nelson in 2017, was named Crew Member of the Year.
“His technical expertise was on full display during the recovery of the grounded 52-foot ketch Vaila in Te Puketea Bay, where his analysis and recommendations from shore helped the vessel refloat safely before a tow back to Adele Island,” his award citation reads.
“Beyond the water, Geoff introduced TimeZero search-planning software to the unit, project-managed its rescue vessel build through to commissioning in 2021 and has since given more than 200 volunteer hours a year maintaining and upgrading it.
“Colleagues describe him as the benchmark for what an outstanding Coastguard volunteer looks like; technically excellent, endlessly generous with his knowledge, and quick to step back so newer crew can grow.”
Geoff has served as bosun, senior crew member, relief duty officer, incident management team member and management committee member.
Annette Nistor received the Outstanding Leadership Award, with judges describing her as exemplifying the “very best of Coastguard leadership; quiet, consultative and empowering”.
The citation says Annette shored up the unit's governance, volunteer development and community profile when she had a firm hand on the tiller as president.
“She has championed initiatives like Suddenly in Charge and the forward-looking Project Tora, which is exploring faster, more localised rescue capability for remote Golden Bay and Tasman Bay communities,” her award citation reads.
“In her first deployment as skipper, tasked at 1am to a critically ill patient aboard a commercial fishing vessel off D'Urville Island, she calmly led her crew through a complex five-hour medical evacuation.
“Annette epitomises inspiring the next generation of volunteers.”
Crystal Gaiger was recognised as Unit Support Volunteer of the Year.
