New harbourmaster boat’s name unveiled

A new harbourmaster boat is poised to take to the seas around Dunedin after officially gaining a name fitting of the work it will be involved in.

The boat, a three-tonne 8.5m Rayglass Protector was named Āwhina in a blessing ceremony at the Otago Yacht Club yesterday.

The name Āwhina - which means to assist or support - was put forward by Mosgiel resident Valda Gardiner, and was chosen by council staff and Otākōu Rūnaka representatives from more than 300 suggestions.

Otago Regional Council chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said the new name was a fitting accompaniment to the sister vessel, Kaitiaki, as both would serve the community by assisting and protecting Otago waterways.

"The name seems eminently suitable," she said.

Cr Robertson said the team were responsible for the safety of navigation and to ensure everyone in the harbour were safe.

"At its heart, this means assisting everyone to get home safe and sound," she said.

Otago Regional Council harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook said he was "really happy" to have the name finalised.

Mr Rushbrook said the new boat would patrol the Otago harbour and coast while the Kaitiaki would now patrol lakes and waterways around Central Otago. The vessel arrived fully repurposed in Dunedin in September, after serving since 2007 in the waters around Auckland.

Āwhina can carry up to seven passengers and is expected to be used during on-water activities, water safety programmes, oil spill containment, maritime emergency management and navigational safety bylaw education and enforcement.

- By staff reporter