We are so delighted for our dedicated friends at Coastguard Nelson that they now have their new boat to assist them in their work as one of the vital emergency services in the Nelson Tasman region.
The new vessel, Hohapata – Sealord Rescue, is a game-changer for Coastguard Nelson and greatly enhances their capability as first responders. Hohapata was officially launched this month at a ceremony on the Nelson waterfront, including a blessing and gifted name from Ngāti Koata. Click here to see the Stuff coverage, and here to see the Newshub coverage.
As naming rights sponsor, Sealord sought input from Te Tauihu iwi to assist with the naming of the vessel. Hohapata – Sealord Rescue was the name kindly gifted by Ngāti Koata Kaunihera Kaumātua.
The vessel is named after Hohapata Te Kahupuku of Ngāti Koata (1834–1913), a selfless man who was instrumental in saving the lives of the crew on board the ship Delaware when it got into serious trouble on the rocky Whakapuaka coast in 1863.
Working long-term with the team on fundraising for the new $1.4 million dollar vessel is one of the most satisfying projects we’ve been involved in. The coastguard team told us that our assistance in crafting their fundraising story in a compelling way at the outset, helped them greatly to achieve their fundraising goal.
The solely volunteer-staffed coastguard is a community organisation that does not receive government funding to do their work in safeguarding this huge area of coast around Nelson and Tasman, which often presents very challenging sea conditions. Ka pai, Coastguard Nelson!
