PROFILE: Kevin Langley (a.k.a Stumpy) – Auckland Coastguard Volunteer
"I've been a Coastguard volunteer for a long time now. I was born and bred in the water. I don’t mind being out in the really rough stuff because of the skill sets that we’re trained in and the processes we have keep us safe."
"There’s been anxious moments in an incident because the wind or the tide takes over the boat for a minute. The only time I’ve really been worried is for the people that we’re towing back from quiet a way out in pretty big seas. When you see a whole yacht disappearing under a wave that you’ve gone over, you feel for them."
“I’ve been out there for three days and pulled fifty people back to safety and you sort of take that for granted because it’s just what you do but then you look back, it’s hugely rewarding."
"Why I keep doing this after so many years… For me I wanted to give back to boating. it’s a passion I’ve had since the day I started and I’ve never looked back. The comradery is great we give each other a hard time and tease each other. I’m good at doing that to other people, probably not so good getting it back sometimes (laughs)."
"I always say to people that you should tell someone where you’re planning to go. Not a lot of people have a VHF but they do have a cellphone to call *500 which is the direct line to the Coastguard Operations Center. If you’re in trouble, most people can still get cellphone within the Hauraki Gulf area."
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
-
10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
-
20.1% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
-
69.5% Nah - not for me
🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵
🧩 Got a riddle that can stump your Neighbourly community? Share your brain teasers with us and watch your neighbours scratch their heads 😕🤔❓
Send us your tricky puzzles!
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Loading…
