The name of the Otago Regional Council’s Harbourmaster’s new boat was unveiled this morning at a ceremony at the Otago Yacht Club in Dunedin.
Āwhina, which means to assist or support, was put forward by Mosgiel-resident Valda Gardiner and chosen from more than 300 community suggestions by a panel of ORC staff and Otākōu Rūnaka representatives.
Councillors and stakeholders attended the short naming and a blessing ceremony, performed by Edward Ellison, Upoko of Otākōu Rūnaka, before ORC chair Gretchen Robertson broke the traditional bottle of champagne over the boat’s bow.
The boat’s new name was a fitting accompaniment to that of her sister vessel, Kaitiaki, as both would serve the community by assisting and protecting those who spent time on Otago waterways, she said.
“The name seems eminently suitable."
The three-tonne 8.5-metre-long Rayglass Protector can carry up to seven people and arrived in Dunedin in September, having been purchased from the Auckland Regional Council.
“At its heart, this means assisting everyone to get home safe and sound."
ORC Harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook said he was “really happy” to have the name finalised.
“I’d like to thank the public for their input through our consultation, we had a huge response."
Āwhina would patrol the Otago harbour and coast, while the 7-metre-long Kaitiaki would now patrol lakes and waterways around Central Otago, he said.
The regional council is responsible for the regulation of ports, harbours, waters and maritime-related activities in the Otago region under the Maritime Transport Act (1994).
The Harbourmaster’s duties include overseeing maritime safety, ensuring navigational aids are in place and maintained, responding to marine oil spill events and running educational safety programmes.
