11. Question No. 11—TransportCATHERINE WEDD (National—Tukituki) to the Associate Minister of TransportQuestion No. 11—Transport11. CATHERINE WEDD (National—Tukituki) to the Associate Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made regarding coastguards and lifeguards?Hon MATT DOOCEY (Associate Minister of Transport): Last Friday I announced with the Prime Minister and Minister of Transport the Hon Simeon Brown that through Budget 2024 the Government would be providing an additional $63.6 million over four years to fund Coastguard New Zealand and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand so that these NGOs can continue to deliver their essential front-line water safety and rescue and prevention services across New Zealand. Heading to the beach lake or a river for a fun day of activity in the water is part of the Kiwi way of life particularly in the summer. With that comes inherent risk and these front-line organisations do critical work to help ensure people can head home safe.Catherine Wedd: How much funding will each organisation receive?Hon MATT DOOCEY: Coastguard New Zealand will receive $19.5 million over four years while Surf Lifesaving New Zealand will receive $44 million over the same period. This is operational funding to help address cost pressures faced by these organisations. This will ensure they're able to continue to deliver their essential front-line water safety rescue and prevention services across New Zealand. Coastguard New Zealand and Surf Lifesaving provide an essential public service that benefits the health safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders. The Government is committed to ensuring that these services continue to prevent harm and save lives on our beaches and in the water.Catherine Wedd: Why is the Government funding these organisations?Hon MATT DOOCEY: Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: The Hon Matt Doocey.Hon MATT DOOCEY: Oh thank you. I just thought I'd wait for you to call me. SPEAKER: It's strange; it's not election year.Hon MATT DOOCEY: Surf Lifesaving and the Coastguard are both experiencing increased demand for services at a time when costs are increasing due to the cost of living crisis. Costs for wages and equipment continue to rise as do general operating costs such as electricity insurance and rates. This Government is committed to eliminating wasteful spending and getting money out of Wellington and into the front-line services that are delivering. This funding will ensure that our current levels of services are maintained and ensures that they can meet the increasing levels of demand. Costs are rising across the board for these organisations with services delivered almost entirely by volunteers. Funding will cover operational expenses for both organisations as well as rescue equipment facilities and maintenance.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Supplementary question.SPEAKER: Catherine Wedd.Rt Hon Winston Peters: What sort of a system have you got here?SPEAKER: You know they get through.Catherine Wedd: What other announcements has he made regarding lifeguards?Hon MATT DOOCEY: Last night I was pleased to present the 2023 New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards at Parliament. These awards are presented annually in recognition of outstanding achievements. Forty nominations were received in 2023 with two gold awards and ten certificates of achievement being awarded at this year's ceremony. A quick count of the support category recipients last night revealed they have over 170 years of search and rescue experience between them. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the people at Coastguard Surf Lifesaving and other organisations working in search and rescue for their dedication and commitment to ensuring New Zealanders' safety.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Could I ask the Minister as to whether he's received accolades and congratulations for this policy belatedly so because it was part of the coalition negotiations which failed at the time but which they've now come around to seeing as a brilliant idea?Hon MATT DOOCEY: As the Deputy Prime Minister says this was a coalition agreement very similar to the other coalition agreement we announced today with $24 million for Gumboot Friday two examples of this coalition Government getting money out of Wellington to grassroots organisations.