Coastguard heroics win recognition
Haden McCrorie works two part time jobs, is the father of a new baby, and by night could also be woken from a deep sleep at any moment to fulfil his role as a volunteer coastguard.
McCrorie has been recognised for his tireless and positive contribution to the region as one of the 12 locals to receive a Kiwibank Local Hero award.
McCrorie became a coastguard volunteer five years ago, a role which complemented his part time job as the deputy harbourmaster for the Tasman District Council, patrolling the Abel Tasman.
Along with his volunteer work where he is on call 24/7, he also holds down full-time job hours and enjoys time with his new baby and his wife.
‘‘I could be called out of bed any time’’ he said, referring to emergencies on the water and not the chores of tending to a newborn at all hours.
With his maritime background, McCrorie felt joining the coastguard crew was a good way to help others while learning more for himself.
‘I enjoy the people and I enjoy sharing the knowledge. I enjoy helping people out, it is really rewarding.’’
On receiving the Local Hero medal, McCrorie said he felt ‘‘pretty honoured really.
‘‘Coastguard’s a big team thing, so it was nice to get the award for myself and the family.’’
No stranger to awards, McCrorie won the Coastguard Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year in September last year after a harrowing rescue mission in D’Urville Island.
McCrorie believed recognition for that may have contributed to his Local Hero award.
‘‘It was a vessel that had been hit by some big waves in the Cook Strait. They had a number of problems. Lost power to the vessel, no working engine.’’
The two crew on the boat had experienced electrical problems which caused them to be battered by the seas for two days without navigation.
‘‘They had been out there for a while so they were seriously fatigued.’’
During the nine hour mission on turbulent seas, McCrorie leapt on to the boat to hoist the sails and sail the boat to safety in Okiwi Bay.
‘‘There was no option to tow them or anything like that, it was just too rough out there.’’
Coastguard Nelson president, Wayne Harrison said the Nelson team were ‘‘so lucky to have somebody as experienced as Haden.
‘‘You can talk to anybody at the unit and they’ll tell you exactly the same.’’
He said McCrorie had ‘‘vast maritime’’ experience which he happily imparted to the team.
‘‘I’m very confident when I’m on the rescue vessel with him.
‘‘He keeps calm in all situations which is what you need. Some of the rescues we go to, it’s the sort of thing that makes it run smoothly.