Our last meeting was a very special meeting.
Sergeant Bill managed the timeline very well with a flexible approach allowing plenty of time for chatting and for the presentation from Chris Paul, Howick Coastguard. There was also no sergeant’s session but be warned our sergeant will be well prepared for our next meeting so have money at the ready!!
The presentation from Chris was very interesting and highlighted the complexity of the role, requiring ongoing training and upskilling to keep up with the changing technology and demands of being a member of the coastguard team. It is hard to believe the service here in Howick has been going for over 60 years, It came after the tragic drowning of young Howick lads in the late 50’s, a tragedy that impacted on the whole Howick Community at the time. There is a memorial plaque to them on Howick Beach. In the beginning the Coastguard operated out of the Fire Station which of course was in Howick back in the day.
The coastguard boats have also evolved into well-equipped speed machines with the capability to reach speeds of 40 knots, not quite up to Emirates Team NZ but speedy none the less. The boats are fully equipped with not only the usual things one would expect to see but also with the very latest in technology and high spec first aid equipment. It should be noted all the coastguard volunteers must go through a rigorous first aid course which is regularly updated. This combination of highly specialized boats and equipment along with well-trained crew ensures our coastguard team is very capable of performing the role to the highest standard, often under very trying circumstances, keeping boaties and others who use our magnificent waters for recreation as safe as they can be. As Chris so aptly put it “we are the AA of the water “
With minimal external funding the Coastguard is dependent on financial support from the community and Howick Rotary is very proud to play its part in keeping Coastguard out there on the water through our annual Fun Walk/ Run event.
We were delighted to share the evening with major sponsors and community committee members of the Fun Run, including Michael Beale and Sudesh Prasad (Mega Mitre 10 Botany), Adele White (Chairperson Howick Local Board), Shirley and Daron Curtiss (creative design, Dilmah Tea and organizing committee) and Judy Pascoe (organizing committee). All in all, a really enjoyable evening and a wonderful example of Rotary and the community working together for the common good!
The next meeting also promises to be a very enjoyable event with RYLA feedback on the agenda. I look forward to seeing you all there, and as always partners are very welcome.
Kia tupato, kia noho haumaru Take care and stay safe.
Madeleine East MNZM.
President.
