The opening of Coastguard Whangamata's new Rescue Centre and Boat Shed doubled as the annual awards ceremony for Eastern Region Coastguard Volunteers.

At the Saturday event, Peter Donaldson of Coastguard Tauranga was named the Rescue Vessel Skipper of the Year for his outstanding contribution to rescue vessel crew training and development.

Both the Tauranga and Maketu units have benefited greatly from his contribution.

As a current Rescue Vessel Senior Master, Peter spends long hours at Coastguard Tauranga helping to build volunteer capability.

Rescue of the Year Award is presented to Shane Beech from Coastguard Maketu after a rescue of two surfers at the Kaituna River Bar during the Christmas holiday period.

In extremely dangerous conditions, Shane used a jetski and rescue sled to bring the two casualties ashore. Shane's single-handed efforts undoubtedly saved these men's lives.

A number of award nominations were received from across the Eastern Region for each category including Volunteer of the Year, Operational Volunteer of the Year, Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year, Rescue of the Year and the Graeme Murray Memorial Shield for Leadership.

Don Scott from Coastguard Lake Taupo won the Volunteer of the Year Award for his involvement across all levels of Coastguard. He made a significant contribution at both Unit and regional levels with a particular knack for engaging the wider community for project funding support. Within the unit, Don has been actively involved in developing training and vessel operations procedures and at a regional level, he has been a valuable member of the operational committee.

Stephen Clews from Coastguard Whakatane took the Operational Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his work with the unit's technical projects.

He played a key role in the radio communications upgrade and new vessel research and development.

Stephen is also a senior master actively involved in marine search and rescue.

At a regional level, his input into the Centralised Radio Communications Hub proof of concept has been greatly appreciated.

Murray Whitehead from Coastguard Waihi Beach receives the inaugural Graeme Murray Memorial Shield for Leadership.

The Coastguard Eastern Region Board created the award in remembrance of past regional manager Graeme Murray who died recently.

Murray's leadership ability within Coastguard Waihi Beach has not gone unnoticed. Well known and respected by his peers across the Eastern Region, Murray's focus on ensuring good decision making, forward thinking and positive attitudes has been recognised with this award.

The awards recognise the volunteers' efforts in helping to keep New Zealanders safe at sea.