Coastguard Canterbury has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Search & Rescue Centre at Lyttelton’s Naval Point, marking a major step forward for the unit’s 25 volunteers and the wider search and rescue community.

The new 657-square-metre facility provides essential training, meeting, and radio rooms, a harbour lookout, and secure storage for rescue vessels and equipment. It replaces the unit’s previous building, which was damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and later demolished in 2020 as part of the Naval Point redevelopment. For the past several years, volunteers operated out of portable buildings.

The project was made possible by a $1,657,815 grant from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, with additional support from Coastguard New Zealand, Christchurch City Council, and local donors.

Coastguard Canterbury President Mark Leggett said the new facility was a long-overdue milestone.

“For more than a decade, our volunteers have worked tirelessly from portacoms, waiting for a permanent base. Now, thanks to the support of Christchurch City Council, Coastguard New Zealand, community donors, and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, we finally have a home that matches the dedication of our crew.”

Coastguard Canterbury responds to a growing number of incidents each year, assisting boaties and water users in distress. Over the past summer alone, between December 2024 and February 2025, volunteers responded to 22 incidents, assisting 54 people. During the 2023/24 financial year, they dedicated more than 8,000 hours to search and rescue operations, responding to 66 incidents and helping 193 people.

Leggett said the new centre was an investment in the safety of everyone on the water.

“We’re seeing more people out on the water than ever before, and with that comes an increased need for our services. This new centre ensures we can continue to provide fast, effective responses when boaties need us most.”

The official opening event, held on March 15 at 1:30pm, was attended by volunteers, community leaders, and supporters, along with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, who helped mark the occasion.

With its doors now open, the facility stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of Coastguard Canterbury, ensuring that its volunteers have the resources they need to continue saving lives on the water.