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About Us
Phil and Steph van Dusschoten have been residents of Whakatane for 20 years, they have 4 children Arie,Scotty, Carly and Ellie,
Phil has gained 20 years of local marine knowledge and experience. A member of the Whakatane Coastguard he was for 7 years the Chairman of the Rescue group as well as Police Liaison Officer.
In 1993 Phil designed and constructed M.V. Diveworks, and for 10 years it was the primary rescue callout vessel in Whakatane saving many lives.
Diveworks Charters was formed in 1997 when Phil retired after 20 years service in the NZ Police. He concentrated primarily on Diving and fishing.
Whale (Moutohora) Island
Phil has had a very close association with Whale Island since 1987 when the first Whale Island Tours ran under a concession between the Department of Conservation and the Whakatane Volunteer Coastguard.
Phil was a guide on the tours to the summit and Pa Hill.
Diveworks Charters also became the Prefered operator to the Department of Conservation for servicing the island and since that date 1000s of trees, many Kiwis, Tuataras, Saddlebacks and a lot of people and equipment have been taken there by them.
Throughout the Summer months from November to April the Island is manned by Department of Conservation staff and every Tuesday morning, rain hail or shine Diveworks transfers another party onto the Island for a seven day stint.
For the past two years Phil has been running River bar training and familiarisation courses for the Whakatane Coastguard and the Department of Conservation .
  
In November 2007 in an effort to become more eco friendly and after a 15 month application process a 'Marine mammal' operators permit was obtained.
There booking office at 86 The Strand (The yellow One), Whakatane also includes a Whale Island history Museum and information Centre.
Steph is primarily a mother but is also a very talented Signwriter and Graphic designer by trade. She manages her own Digital Printing and Sign shop www.signworksnz.com next door to Diveworks Charters. Steph has become an expert in printing large format digital photography on canvas and paper and specialises in local scenery.
Phil and Steph are both actively involved in Christian Childrens Ministry.
Phil is in his fourth year as Chairman of The Board of Trustees of a local Christian school and Steph runs 'Mainly Music' for children under 5.
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