No, Waikato Regional Council is not talking about trading in your dearly beloved. It’s your lifejackets they’re interested in, supporting the Coastguard’s Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign.

Coastguard will be encouraging boaties and members of the public to trade in their old lifejackets for discounts on new ones as part of a nation-wide campaign. Coastguard’s Old4New van will be travelling through various locations in the Waikato from 3 to 6 January:

Tues 3 Jan 1pm - 4pm
Whangamata Boat Ramp
Beach Road, (Southern End)
Whangamata

Wed 4 Jan 9am - 4pm
Kennedy Park, Pauanui
Vista Paku, Pauanui

Thurs 5 Jan 8am - 11am
Waihi Beach
Bowentown Boating & Sports Fishing Club, Pio Road

1pm - 4pm
Cooks Beach Boat Ramp
Purangi Regional Reserve
Captain Cook Rd, Cooks Beach

Fri 6 Jan 1pm - 4pm
Raglan
Raglan Fire Station, 11 Wainui Rd

People can visit the Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade van and trade in their old, damaged or worn lifejacket for a significant discount on a brand new, modern Hutchwilco lifejacket. There are five lifejacket styles to choose from (including one for kids). See more.

Waikato Regional Council harbourmaster, Stephen Wise looks forward to the Old4New van coming to Whangamata where he expects a great turnout this year. “Skippers must carry a correctly sized and fit for purpose lifejacket for each person on board. With sheds across the country littered with old lifejackets that no longer work, this is a great chance to upgrade your safety kit at a reasonable price.

“It’s great to see Coastguard taking practical steps to address issues around lifejackets no longer being fit for purpose, and hats off to Maritime New Zealand for funding this great initiative,” said Mr Wise.

During January, staff from Waikato Regional Council will also be at various coastal locations in the Waikato, offering information about servicing of lifejackets, along with on water patrols.