Honour for Maketu Coastguard president

Maketu Volunteer Coastguard president Shane Beech has received a Certificate of Achievement – Support Activity, for his commitment and services to search and rescue.

He was presented the award at the prestigious New Zealand Search and Rescue Council awards held in Parliament last night.


Shane Beech has been recognised nationally for his commitment to search and rescue.

Shane has been president of the Maketu Coastguard for eight years and has led a number of projects that have seen the building of Eastpack Rescue, the unit's rescue vessel and its berthing facility.

Shane's passion for the betterment of the community also sees him work with Youth in Emergency Services (YES) which encourages and strengthens the ties that youth have with their community through volunteering with emergency services.

It's the second year Shane has been honoured for his volunteer work with the Maketu volunteer Coastguard.

In October 2015, Shane received the Coastguard Unit Support Volunteer of the Year from coastguard New Zealand.

Shane is recognised for the countless hours he gives to Maketu Coastguard in his roles as president, media officer and senior operational crew.

He was also instrumental in the founding of Maketu Coastguard in 2008, after incorporating the Volunteer Sea Rescue Service As well as his coastguard duties Shane is also the Volunteer Fire Chief, sits on the Maketu Community Board and runs a campground while balancing family commitments.

'Shane has made a huge contribution to Coastguard and Search and Rescue services in general,” says CEO of Coastguard New Zealand, Patrick Holmes.

'His dedication and encouragement is infectious and epitomizes the volunteer ethos. Together they have saved countless lives and motivated many others to become Coastguard volunteers.”

Murray Miskelly - Coastguard Northland Air Patrol, Lynn Stuart - Coastguard Wanaka Lakes and Steve Binns and Gregor Staley from Coastguard MacKenzie Lakes were also presented with awards at last night's ceremony.

Patrick says they are extremely proud that their achievements have been recognised at the NZSAR Awards.

'It's a fitting tribute to be recognised alongside other vital search and rescue organisations – we are extremely proud of volunteers who dedicate so many hours to keeping their communities safe.'

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