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Eager to see progress on a slip repair that would enable it to return to its clubhouse, the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) is proposing raising the funds for the work itself, in return for Kaipara District Council agreeing to a long-term lease for the premises.
The slip on council reserve land after last year’s Auckland anniversary weekend rainfalls slammed into the rear of the clubhouse, leaving it unusable ever since. MHVLS as a result has had to operate out of portacoms and containers in the carpark.
The damage to the clubhouse is moderate and repairable, but the insurer won’t start the work until the slip is repaired and the hillside stabilised.
The club’s hopes for a timely resolution were dashed when KDC in its draft long term plan for 2024-2027 proposed budgeting no funds to repair the slip for at least the next three years. The draft plan is out for public consultation until May 4 (MM, Mar 18).
At a council meeting on April 3, two MHVLS representatives outlined a new proposal to raise the money for the slip repair, which has been estimated to cost $1.7–$1.9 million.
Chair Jess Costello said the club was “community minded” and did want any more risk to the public than had already been the case.
With the backing of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, she said, the MHVLS was offering to raise the funds needed to fix the slip on council’s land, so that it could then repair its clubhouse and return to proper operation.
“We want to fix it, but we need you to allow us to fund that.”
In exchange for the club raising the money, MHVLS member David Wheatley told councillors, the club wanted KDC to agree to sign a 33-year lease for the clubhouse, with the right to renew for a further 33 years.
“We’ve been there since the 1960s, and want to be there for another 100 years,” Wheatley said. “We see no reason why you wouldn’t want us to be there for another 66 years.”
The club was keen on a lease, rather than a license to occupy, which provides far fewer powers, he added.
The MHVLS representatives said that in order for the repair to get underway by the beginning of next summer, the club would like council to sign a lease by the end of May.
Costello later said that the club had carefully considered the concerns voiced by council and empathised with the challenges it faces, particularly regarding rates.
“In light of this, we are willing to fund the repair of the slip damage, with the full backing of SLSNZ,” she said. “Our proposal involves covering the costs through a combination of central government funding and/or crowdfunding efforts.
“In exchange, we seek a 33-year lease with the option of renewal. This collaborative approach ensures that the issue is addressed promptly while fostering a sustainable and certain solution for all parties involved.”
Costello said although there had been limited initial response from councillors to the presentation, the club was optimistic that it was received with enthusiasm and support for its proposal.
Mayor Craig Jepson acknowledged and thanked the MHVLS for taking into consideration the significant financial pressures council was facing.
“We absolutely value and recognise their ongoing contribution and commitment to the Mangawhai community,” Jepson said, adding that council would discuss the club’s proposals and work through the options.
