Tauranga’s Volunteer Coastguard Unit has kicked off its major Summer Lottery fundraiser, offering locals a chance to win big while supporting vital marine rescue services.

Tickets are available online via a QR code or in person at the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard Unit. Each $15 ticket contributes $10.50 directly to the local Coastguard. Buyers who purchase five tickets also receive one free.

In addition to ticket sales, Coastguard volunteers will take their Sealegs vessel to key locations around Tauranga over the summer, including Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui camping grounds.

“This is so much fun and creates a lot of interest in the community as we drive the Sealegs through the camp selling our raffle tickets,” operations support Tania Williamson said. “Every ticket purchased not only supports Coastguard Tauranga but also strengthens the ties that keep our community safe and connected.”

The Sealegs and Coastguard truck will be at Pāpāmoa Holiday Park, Saturday, December 27, 5.30-8.30pm; Downtown Mount Maunganui, Saturday, January 3, 9.30am-noon; Mount Maunganui Holiday Park, Wednesday, January 8, 5.30-8.30pm; and Tauriko Crossing, Saturday, January 10, 9.30am-noon.

“Our Sealegs boat allows us to reach people stranded on sandbanks or in shallow waters where our main boat can’t go,” Tauranga volunteer coastguard unit manager Richard van der Jagt said. “It can even navigate under very low bridges.”

Having served the unit since 2016, Sealegs is approaching the end of its service life. Van der Jagt said a replacement – which will cost about $400,000 once fully equipped with a new engine and other essential gear – is urgently needed.

While the Coastguard Summer Lottery is a national promotion, 70% of ticket sales from Tauranga go directly to the local unit.

Prizes total $400,000 and include a Ford Ranger Stormtrak Hybrid, a 5.9m Haines Hunter SF545 Special Edition boat, a Coastguard boating safety equipment package, a cruise to Croatia, a private island resort holiday in Aitutaki Lagoon, a Samsung 77-inch TV, an Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, AirPods Pro 3, and Prezzy Cards. Every ticket also enters a draw for a $10,000 Niue Island holiday.

The Summer Lottery draw will take place on February 13, 2026.

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