Kapiti Mayor Janet Holborow in the Swim for Coastguard

JANET - In the Swim — Kapiti Mayor Janet Holborow is part of The Big Swim to raise funds for Coastguard

Mayors often find themselves in deep water but for Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow the move is entirely voluntary.

Through the month of June 2025, she will be taking part in The Big Swim, raising funds for Coastguard to help save more lives on the water.

“Personally I have a lot to thank Coastguard for. Some years ago a couple of friends were out in a Laser off Paekākāriki when one went overboard with the centreboard. As there’s no way to steer a Laser without a centreboard, the boat couldn’t get to them. Thanks to the Coastguard, centreboard and boat were reunited and everyone got to shore safely.

“As of today I’ve completed 8.5km of my 10km target and raised my goal of $500. I’ll keep swimming past 10km so people can keep donating.”

“I would very much appreciate your support,” says Mayor Janet. “Together, we can help ensure that everyone enjoys Aotearoa New Zealand’s waters safely and with confidence.”

The Kāpiti Unit had its genesis in the early days of the KBC (around 1957) when a primary reason for the club was the cooperative safety net provided by all members and their boats. This developed into dedicated rescue boats in the 1980’s. The Waikanae Boating Club was formed in the 1960s and the Coastguard Unit developed in a similar way.

Coastguard New Zealand says as a volunteer organisation dedicated to saving lives from Houhora to Bluff, they’re committed to preventing drownings and promoting safe boating.

“With three million Kiwi boaties out there, we’re here to help – no matter who they are, where they’re from, and whatever their waka. And when things don’t go to plan, we’re the ones they can call on.”

https://bigswim.org.nz/janet-holborow