Awhina, which means to assist or support, was put forward by Mosgiel resident Valda Gardiner (pictured with flowers) and was chosen from more than 300 community suggestions by a panel of ORC staff and Otakou Runaka representatives.
Awhina means to help in Maori.
ORC chairwoman Gretchen Robertson broke the traditional bottle of champagne over the boat’s bow, saying its new name was a fitting accompaniment to its sister vessel Kaitiaki, as both would assist and protect those who spent time on Otago waterways.
The three-tonne 8.5m Rayglass Protector, which can carry up to seven people, was bought from Auckland Regional Council and arrived in Dunedin in mid-September,
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," he said.
