Surf club on funding drive

Repairs to the slip behind the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) clubhouse are on track for completion this month, but the surf lifesaving club says further funding is urgently needed to finish critical works.

The January 2023 storm caused a major landslide behind the building, leaving the cliff face exposed. Specialist contractor Earth Stability is stabilising the slope with systems designed to prevent further erosion and encourage natural regrowth.

Once complete, the clubhouse will be weatherproofed before full restoration works begin, continuing through to Christmas.

Club chair Jess Costello says the progress marks a major milestone.

“This project reflects not just physical restoration, but the resilience of our club over the past two-and-a-half years,” she says.

Thanks to insurance support and $1.9 million secured by Surf Life Saving New Zealand, MHVLS is confident it will be fully operational for the coming summer. However, a funding shortfall of $120,000 remains to complete the clubhouse restoration.

Costello says negotiations with Kaipara District Council over the club’s site lease are ongoing, with concerns about future reserve development plans and the need to secure access and parking for lifesaving operations.

Further challenges lie ahead, including essential upgrades to the seawall and boat ramp in front of the clubhouse. Although resource consent has been granted by Northland Regional Council, repeated funding applications have been unsuccessful.

She says the situation is further complicated by a lack of clarity regarding financial responsibility between the KDC and NRC.

“We have the plans and the green light, but without funding, we can’t act,” Costello says. “We are now looking to the public and local businesses to help us protect this vital community asset for future generations.”

Donations, sponsorships and offers of in-kind support can be made via mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz or the MHVLS Givealittle page.