Coastguard North Canterbury has become the first New Zealand organisation to receive a prestigious Higgins & Langley Memorial Award.

The volunteer unit received the Team and Program Development Award for its sustained leadership in developing specialist swiftwater and flood rescue training, systems and operational capability.

The Higgins & Langley Memorial Awards are regarded as the highest international honour in swiftwater and flood rescue. Presented annually in the United States, they recognise outstanding achievement, innovation and service within the global water rescue community.

Only a small number of recipients are selected worldwide each year.

While individual New Zealand rescuers have previously been recognised, Coastguard North Canterbury is the first organisation from the country to receive an award.

Coastguard Tautiaki Moana chief executive Carl McOnie said the achievement reflected years of dedication by the unit’s volunteers and leaders.

“This is an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment not just for North Canterbury, but for Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and the wider search and rescue sector,” McOnie said.

“To be recognised on the world stage in this way confirms that the capability being developed here is truly world leading.”

The award recognised the unit’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s response to river rescues and flooding emergencies by developing specialist training, operational systems and rescue capability.

Members of the Higgins & Langley Memorial Awards selection panel include global leaders in water rescue, while past recipients include some of the field’s most influential figures.

Coastguard North Canterbury volunteers travelled to Oklahoma City to accept the award during a ceremony at Riversport OKC on August 27.

The presentation was held alongside the Oklahoma Water Rescue Conference, one of the world’s largest gatherings of rescue professionals.

Coastguard North Canterbury volunteer Kevin Bryce said the recognition belonged to every volunteer who had contributed their time, expertise and training over many years.

“This award reflects a collective effort spanning many years,” Bryce said.

“It recognises the dedication of our Coastguard North Canterbury volunteers, the support of Coastguard NZ and the contribution of our training partner, Public Safety Institute Global.”

Bryce said support from the North Canterbury community had also been crucial to the unit’s success.

“Through community donations and Coastguard funding, we’ve been able to invest in the specialist rescue equipment required to keep crews safe and carry out our operations successfully.

“Our volunteers have committed countless hours to developing and refining these capabilities, always with the goal of keeping our communities safe on and around the water.”

Coastguard Tautiaki Moana said the international recognition highlighted the strength of New Zealand’s search and rescue sector and the specialist capability being developed by volunteers to support communities during swiftwater and flood emergencies.