What alternative responses are available outside Wellington Police’s Maritime Unit hours since January 2026, and what analysis, if any, has been complete to assess each responder’s capacity, including capacity lost from the 60% cut to Wellington Police Maritime Unit’s operating time as reported by RNZ in December 2025?

Answer

I am advised that the Wellington region is serviced by three Coastguard units based in Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti, which provide 24/7 volunteer capability, and helicopter support that is available from a number of sources as required. Police advises that only one after-hours maritime response from Police Maritime Unit was required in a two-year period. Prior to changes being made to the Wellington Police Maritime Unit operating model, all key partners were consulted to confirm this 24/7 availability to respond in the absence of an after-hours Unit’s deployment. Following consultation, a decision was made to retain a single on-call coordination function to work with partner agencies, should an after-hours response be required.