Five local Lions clubs have pooled funds to buy a new automated external defibrillator for the Coastguard.

The vital piece of medical equipment was presented today at the Coastguard's regional headquarters in Nikau Crescent, Mount Maunganui.

Papamoa Lions president Wayne Keereweer says this donation came about because one of their members volunteers for the Coastguard.

He says five ‘coastal' clubs – Mount Lions, Mount Lionesses, Welcome Bay Lions, Papamoa Lions, and Te Puke Kiwi Coast – contributed, although it was Papamoa who bought the defibrillator 'so it could be used immediately.”

The overall Lions contribution was $2500 - $500 from each club.

The defibrillator will also be for public use, which means if there is an emergency nearby, people can come into the Coastguard offices between 6am and 9pm and grab the device. It's also registered with an AED locator app, so people can find it on their smartphones.

Coastguard regional manager Stuart Lowth says AEDs are easy to use, even for those without training.

'A survey in the United States found 92 per cent of people off the street could successfully use this device.”

He says the Coastguard is extremely grateful for the donation.

'We're always very appreciative of our funders, who assist us in saving lives, whether on land or sea.”

The next big fundraiser for the Papamoa Lions will be this weekend's market at Gordon Spratt Reserve, from which all proceeds will be going to the Kaikoura Lions to help support them after the earthquake.