Coastguard with community at heart recognised

He’s dedicated almost a decade to helping save lives at sea and on land.

Experienced coastguard and Search and Rescue volunteer Rob Carpenter makes the safety of the Marlborough community a top priority.

Now his unwavering dedication has been recognised at the New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Awards.

Swapping his hi-vis rescue gear for a navy suit, Rob was presented with a Certificate of Achievement – Support Activity from the Associate Minister for Transport the Hon Matt Doocey at Parliament’s Great Hall.

The NZSAR Awards are presented annually in recognition of outstanding achievements within Aotearoa New Zealand’s search and rescue region, which covers 30 million square kilometres.

Several long-serving leaders from across the country were recognised on Wednesday evening for their service and commitment to search and rescue in their communities.

Rob has spent most of his life on and around the sea, pursuing a career in ship, yacht and boat building.

An avid sailor in his spare time, he joined Coastguard Marlborough in 2015 and signed up as a Land Search and Rescue volunteer five years ago.

He is now unit president and is described by his coastguard colleagues as a dedicated and truly transformational leader.