Sign In / Register
After three challenging years recovering from severe weather events that devastated their clubhouse and surrounding land in 2023, the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) is appealing for community support to help secure its future.
Thanks to Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and Central Government assistance, the $1.9 million landslip repair has finally been completed. Work to restore the damaged clubhouse is now underway through the insurer’s contractors, but the club still faces a $120,000 shortfall to complete the project.
Looking further ahead, MHVLS also needs to rebuild its seawall and boat ramp – both damaged in the same weather event – at an estimated cost of $650,000.
Despite having design plans and resource consent in place, the club’s funding applications to Kaipara District Council, Northland Regional Council, Foundation North, Lotteries and several other grant providers have all been declined.
Without an additional $770,000 in funding and the security of a long-term lease, the club’s future remains uncertain.
“The health and culture of our club, which has provided volunteer lifeguard services at Mangawhai Heads since 1963, are at risk,” a spokesperson said. “Our beach is one of Northland’s most popular destinations, and maintaining these lifesaving services is vital to keeping it a safe place for locals and visitors.”
The club is urging the public to help protect this vital community asset and ensure that lifesaving services at Mangawhai Heads continue for generations to come.
