The Charity Saving Lives At Sea Royal NZ Coastguard Inc. provides the primary maritime search and rescue service in NZ, ensuring over 6000 people get home safely each year. The first Coastguard unit was formed in 1898, and there are now over 2000 volunteers serving the 63 units which operate throughout the country, three of which are based on the Manukau Harbour. Papakura Volunteer Coastguard Inc. was formed in 1968. Titirangi Volunteer Coastguard Inc. was formed in 1969 - the first meeting took place on August 17, with incidents prior to this handled by the police. Waiuku Search & Rescue Association was formed in 1973. A practical way you can support their activities is by buying a lottery ticket. Coastguard runs up to three fundraising lotteries per year, and a significant contribution to the $20m they need to operate annually is sourced from this.