Surf Lifeguards at Papamoa and Raglan are reaping the benefits of a new 4-wheel drive utility vehicle, supported through the generous funding of Pub Charity and an equipment trial program proudly supported by CB Norwood Distributors Ltd New Zealand and their local Kubota dealers.
As two of the busiest beaches in the country, the clubs have each received an RTV1140 to help in their efforts to save lives on the beach.
Pub Charity chief executive Martin Cheer says the organization is proud to support Surf Life Saving’s efforts. “In a rescue emergency there can be no greater need than people trained to intervene with the right equipment on hand. This donation is literally an investment in the lives of everyday New Zealanders. We hope beach-goers at Raglan and Papamoa don’t need to call on this equipment but if they are unfortunate enough to experience a crisis, it will be there,” he says.
CB Norwood Distributors – Kubota Manager Ian Massicks says the innovative RTV features a transformation system that quickly converts from one-to-two-row seating options, meaning there is plenty of space to transport all the vital rescue equipment including a stretcher.
Mr Massicks says one of the company’s strategies is to look at how it can help support the local community. “We’re very proud to be supporting Surf Life Saving New Zealand and our local Kubota dealers,” he says.
Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club received their new vehicle from R&R Tractors in Te Puke while Raglan received theirs from Doug McFarlane Ltd in Hamilton.
Raglan Surf Life Saving Club convener of lifesaving Travis Slattery says since they have been using the new RTV it’s given the Lifeguards much better mobility for transporting equipment around the beach. “We can put everything from paddle boards and rescue gear on top of the roof to folding back the seats to fit a stretcher. That’s something we’ve not had before. It’s just like a mobile first aid tool,” he says.
Doug McFarlane Ltd in Hamilton is New Zealand’s oldest Kubota dealer. Owner Stuart McFarlane says he is proud to be given the opportunity to supply the new Kubota RTV to the Raglan Surf Life Saving Club. The company also sponsors the Raglan Coastguard and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Hamilton and supporting Surf Life Saving felt like a natural fit, he says. “All these organisations do a fantastic job for the community without much recognition and our company gets a lot of enjoyment from being involved with them,” he says.
Lisa Honeybone
