Coastguard slipway project a step closer to launch

An art auction and soirée fundraiser to upgrade Coastguard Sumner’s slipway has raised about $20,000.

Rockfall and silt have built up at its rescue boat slipway since the earthquakes, severely limiting its ability to launch the all-weather rescue vessel Blue Arrow Rescue. The new permanent slipway is estimated to cost $800,000 to build.

The Coastguard Sumner Soiree and Art Auction held at the Sumner Bowling Club last Thursday aimed to raise awareness about the problem and money to fix it.

The organisation also received $60,000 in pledges towards its ongoing operational costs.

Said president Blair Quane: “It was obviously extremely satisfying to end up with that sort of result from one evening's do.

“We’re very thankful that we could get the public support that we did from the event and also be able to raise awareness in the community about the issue.”

Crew member Howard Nicholls said it has not decided how much of the $20,000 will go towards the slipway project.

Former Olympic swimmer Anna Simcic hosted a Q&A at the art auction and soirée with retired Paralympian swimmer Dame Sophie Pascoe.

Quane said the event sold out with about 110 people attending. Six pieces of art were sold for about $10,000. The most expensive piece by Anton Mogridge, titled Rescue, depicting Coastguard Sumner’s first rescue boat from 1898, which was auctioned for $3100.

The auction for a ride on Blue Arrow Rescue also fetched $1400.

Coastguard Sumner is looking to build a permanent rail launching slipway system over the top of the rock accumulation, enabling the vessel to launch all of the time.

Coastguard New Zealand is funding one-third of the project’s overall cost.

Quane said it is aiming to have the detailed design work finished by the end of the month and is set to submit the project’s resource consent this week.

He said Coastguard Sumner will continue to seek funding through community grants and business sponsorships, as well as future events.