PROJECT

Pāpāmoa Community Surf Rescue Base

CLIENT

Pāpāmoa Community Surf Rescue Base Trust

pāpāmoa community surf rescue base

The slap on the sunscreen and swim between the flags; the mantra of a great kiwi summer has just got even safer, with the new Pāpāmoa Community Surf Rescue Base across the finish line. Officially opened in May, the new base replaces an ageing facility that was built in 1990 and beyond repair after years of sitting exposed had taken its toll.  

The two main design drivers for the new base are durability and functionality, which has translated into a strikingly formed concrete structure, built to withstand the coastal environment. Holistically planned for tomorrow’s needs, the new surf rescue base features secure storage for rescue equipment, improved communication systems and a first aid room, as well as spaces for club activities, training and community hire. Community has been a large part of the journey, with significant funding from Tauranga City Council, TECT and other grant trusts, and strong iwi involvement from Ngā Potiki and Waitaha. 

It has been hugely rewarding for our team to be part of the journey to deliver this important community facility, which is both responsive and sympathetic to its coastal setting.

The new base is almost triple the size of the previous building’s footprint and runs parallel to the coastline - optimising monitoring and delivery of surf lifesaving services. It’s future-proofed for tomorrow’s needs. 

jim pearson, pāpāmoa community surf rescue trust chairman