Coastguard needs volunteers

Len Dillon’s story highlights the work of those who donate their time to service, marked by National Volunteer Week, which runs until Saturday.

“Many people don’t realise that each crew member on our rescue vessels and every support person back at our 63 Coastguard units across the country are volunteers,” chief executive Patrick Holmes said. Volunteers were available 24/7.

“They could be out with their family or busy at work, but when their pager goes off they will drop everything to go and help,” he said.

People can find out more about Coastguard — and how to join up as a volunteer — at www.coastguard.co.nz.