Search and rescue services for the New Zealand Search and Rescue Region are provided by many organisations. The New Zealand Search and Rescue Council provides strategic leadership and direction to the sector. The Government has overall responsibility for search and rescue (SAR) policy. The NZSAR Council membership is drawn from the chief executives of the government agencies that have various SAR management or coordination roles. The Ministry of Transport, New Zealand Police, New Zealand Defence Force, Maritime NZ, the Civil Aviation Authority, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the Department of Conservation.

Our volunteer rescue crews provide the primary maritime search and rescue service in New Zealand. Since the first Coastguard unit was formed in 1898, Coastguard has been run by volunteers, and that remains the case today. We are hugely proud of our volunteers – people from all communities and walks of life who dedicate a huge amount of their free time to keeping their fellow New Zealanders alive. Coastguard volunteers spend many hundreds of thousands of hours on search and rescue missions, radio operations, training or maintenance work each year. They're highly trained professional volunteers, so you can be safe in the knowledge that when you call Coastguard for help, you'll be in expert hands. Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand

Surf Life Saving is an organisation of ordinary New Zealanders doing extraordinary things. Whether they're a lifeguard, instructor, coach, official or administrator, the time given is an investment in the safety and well being of all New Zealanders. It's an investment in life whatever the level of involvement. Wellington, New Zealand

The Whitianga Coastguard's reason for being is simple "To Save Lives At Sea", we provide Search and Rescue services 7/365 and continue to develop initiatives that further enhance safety on the water. The Whitianga Coastguard is a volunteer organisation run and manned by a group of highly dedicated and skilled volunteers. Our area of responsibility stretches from Cape Colville in the North to Boat Harbour in the South and can assist Tairua/Pauanui when required. We deliver a wealth of services to the boating public. Whitianga, New Zealand