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Richie Guy passes away

South Taranaki UWC life member leaves lasting legacy in the Pacific

August 13, 2026

Richie was given a sendoff worthy of his dedication to the underwater world

Richie was given a sendoff worthy of his dedication to the underwater world

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South Taranaki Underwater Club Life Member Richie Guy passed away on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026.

Richie began diving in 1991, and served in most roles on the committee's executive, largely as the club's long-time secretary.

The highly-respected club member was the engineer for Project Reef, an enterprise that aims to discover and document the previously unknown subtidal rocky reef communities of the South Taraniki Bight. He designed and built groundbreaking equipment like the in-situ camera that is installed 11km off the coast of Patea at a depth of 23 metres, capturing life on the reef both day and night.

Richie was given a 'fins up' guard of honour

A friend and mentor to many, and a staunch advocate for the underwater world, Richie's work with the club, and with Project Reef, Richie was part of the team awarded several accolades for their outstanding contribution to diving and the marine environment, including NZUA's prestigious Wyland Award in 2019.

Richie will be greatly missed by his supportive family, and the wider diving community.

Richie worked tirelessly on Project Reef. Here he works on the in situ camera after 77 days at sea. Credit: Project Reef Life

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Dive Pacific

Dive Pacific is the media arm of the New Zealand Underwater Association

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