Media Release
28 March 2012

Coastguard South Taranaki Volunteer Receives Outward Bound Scholarship

Coastguard South Taranaki volunteer Gareth Read has been awarded an Outward Bound scholarship in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the organisation.

Mr Read, Vice President of Coastguard South Taranaki, will attend the eight-day course in July to help him increase his individual and social development. This will not only benefit him personally but also enhance what he brings to his role at Coastguard.

Gary Darnell, President of Coastguard South Taranaki, says Gareth is a worthy recipient of the Outward Bound scholarship – one of just five available to Coastguard volunteers nationwide.

“We believe that putting Gareth forward for the Outward Bound scholarship will enhance his abilities and complement the SAR training he has undertaken to date. It will also assist in his development as a person, team member and in his leadership role as Vice President of the Unit.
“Gareth has been an absolute asset to the Unit for nine years. His ongoing dedication to Coastguard has been admirable and there is no doubt the course will help him continue to reach his full potential,” says Mr Darnell.

About Coastguard New Zealand:
Coastguard is the charity that provides New Zealand’s primary maritime search and rescue service. The organisation operates from a network of four regions and 71 affiliated units, located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand. Coastguard New Zealand is a volunteer organisation with a charitable status. It has more than 18,000 supporter members and 2,224 active Professional Volunteers who provide around 350,000 hours of their time each year to educate, protect and help save lives at sea. Coastguard performs over 3,000 rescues each year assisting almost 7,000 New Zealanders. There are currently 72 dedicated rescue vessels in Coastguard New Zealand’s fleet, 10 air patrol units and one dedicated communications unit. All crew members on board Coastguard vessels and air patrol craft are trained search and rescue personnel working to enhance the safety of all New Zealanders when they participate in boating and water activities.

ENDS

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