Coastguard Raglan is celebrating the receipt of three awards at the recent Coastguard Northern Region’s annual awards ceremony, and a further award at the National Coastguard Gala Awards Evening.
Coastguard Raglan volunteer Kevin Dreaver scooped the Coastguard Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year Award at the National Coastguard Gala Awards Evening held in Taupo on Saturday. In addition, he was awarded the same honour by Coastguard Northern Region at their AGM held on Tuesday last week at Auckland Marine Rescue Centre.
Following hot on the heels of his dual success, Wally Hawken from Coastguard Raglan won Regional Volunteer of the Year and the Raglan Unit took home Regional Unit of the Year at Coastguard Northern Region’s event.
Mr Dreaver was honoured for demonstrating leadership, vision and unwavering commitment during 14 years at Coastguard. The positions he has held within the Unit include Coastguard Raglan President for seven years, Media Liaison, vessel Skipper and local Marine SAR Advisor.
Coastguard New Zealand President, Dean Lawrence says, “Kevin knows Coastguard Raglan inside and out, as a Skipper and Unit leader he provides training and support to his team. Kevin happily shares his knowledge of Coastguard locally and nationally. He is a true leader and an outstanding member of the Coastguard family.
“Wally, who is the current President of the Unit, has been an active member of Coastguard Raglan for the past four years. Always ready to tackle any aspect of Unit operations, Wally has made valuable contributions to Unit administration, training, fundraising, community awareness and stakeholder engagement. His open door, can-do attitude and ability to think outside the square make him an absolute asset to Coastguard Raglan and the wider organisation.
“Our crews couldn’t do their jobs without people like Kevin and Wally. They have both shown an unwavering commitment and are a credit to themselves and the Unit. To be awarded Unit of the Year as well is a real testament to the whole team. They should all feel very proud of these achievements which are an acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication.”
Giltrap VW, who sponsored Coastguard Northern Region’s Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year Award, is a major sponsor of the organisation. Lee Small, General Manager of Giltrap VW said, “It’s not possible to place a financial value on the service the Coastguard provides for Kiwis nationwide. We’re delighted that once again we can help support their ongoing mission to save lives both at sea and on the water. We hope that Wally will enjoy his prize which is well deserved.”
Marissa Kirkham
