Mangawhai surf club appeals for funds after $120k slip-repair shortfall
A surf club in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing communities is appealing for public support to fix damage from a major slip.
The Mangawhai slip’s $1.9 million repair work is finished but Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service is now short of money to get back into its clubrooms.
It was fortunate no one was seriously injured in the slip, which came down on the clubrooms while lifeguards were inside in February 2023.
The 560cu m slip, on Kaipara District Council reserve land, occurred days after Mangawhai was inundated by heavy rain during the fatal Auckland Anniversary floods.
Since then, the surf club has been operating out of containers and portable cabins in a fenced-off area of the Mangawhai Heads carpark.
The set-up could cause a critical delay during an after-hours rescue, club chairwoman Jess Costello said in an earlier warning.
So great was the concern that lives were at risk, the surf club and Surf Life Saving NZ took on the $1.9m cost of the slip repair, rather than waiting for Kaipara District Council to do the work.
Club executive member Tony Baker said the council was unable to fund the slip repair work, while Surf Life Saving NZ was able to apply for central government funding.
The repair work by Earth Stability included installing rock bolts, galvanised and PVC-coated rockfall mesh, and applying vegetation matting.
This state-of-the-art solution will encourage regrowth while preventing further erosion of the rock face, Baker said.
The repair work is now complete, aside from some replanting, he said.
This means work can start on the clubrooms, which have been exposed to the elements for more than two years because the site was too dangerous to enter, Baker said.
“The building has been open to the elements for that period time – there’s a lot of water damage to the building.”
The clubrooms are insured but the surf club faces a shortfall of about $120,000, to cover things like damaged furniture and chattels, he said.
The club is appealing for public help for the first time, for donations and fundraisers to cover the funding gap.
The club committee has worked tirelessly on the project, all so its volunteers are able to help rescue others when needed, Baker said.
“It’s been a very stressful time for the club. We’ve been trying to secure our space and also trying to evolve as a club, and recruit new members, and make sure we have capacity for the future, as Mangawhai is growing at a great rate.
“The sooner we get back into the clubhouse, the better.”
Baker said once the club is back into its home, it will turn attention to the third and final stage of the slip repair.
This involves repairing the boat ramp and seawall in front of the clubrooms to help prevent future erosion.
This is expected to cost $650,000, with resource consent from Northland Regional Council already secured, Baker said.
Those wanting to support Mangawhai surf club can make a donation on Givealittle or go to mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz for bank transfer details.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.