112 | COMMUNITY Pukehina Surf Lifesaving Club T T Sue Russell New surf facility a true labour of love Straddling three levels, the facility will offer life-savers on duty a birds-eye view of the 7km stretch of beach. Community support is at the core of the dvelopment of the new Pukehina Surf Lifesaving Club facility. The club is looking forward to finally moving into its new home in the new year, with construction now well underway. Planning for the new facility spans back many years. Club Building Committee Chairman Andrew McDowell says the project is one of those long term commitments calling on passionate volunteers to stay the course in order to secure the end goal. “What has been achieved could not have been without an amazing team effort. “Community engagement with this project has been incredible. “A black-tie event raising $119,000 is just one example of how supportive the community has been. And we’ve just secured another grant from TECT for $500,000 which means we will now progress the project to the final fit off stage which is fantastic,” says Andrew. All the necessary groundwork before the build proper could get underway has been undertaken by the community, saving close to $150,000 through businesses offering goods and services. The simple act of running an icecream truck became the initial way to engage the community. “It gave us a unique way to get the message out about the project and engage the community.” Positioned between the Pacific Ocean, the Little Waihi estuary and Doc and Council carparking, made for a challenging site. The approach determined best was to process consenting in a staged way, to give time to know that the community fully supported the project. This buy-in by the community was seen as vital to gain and couldn’t be rushed. “We got resource consent in the first 18 months which was wonderful given we had six different parties to engage with. Every one of them supported what we were doing.” A significant funding hurdle was COVID arriving when it did. Andrew says the team spearheading the project through its various pathways sat on their hands for 18 months while building costs went through the roof. In total the project’s build value is $4.7million and with the latest TECT grant this figure has been raised. Determined in its design and construction that the new clubrooms would not leave a legacy of ongoing maintenance and cost to Council and community, Andrew says what “What has been achieved could not have been without an amazing team effort. Community engagement with this project has been incredible.” has been achieved is a remarkable building, that tells a story of the clubs heart and soul; the elements that when combined create the whole club. Straddling three levels, the black solid guard tower references a rock in the sea not far from the shore. It will offer life-savers on duty a birds-eye view of the 7km stretch of beach. “The guard tower is the pillar of the club’s strength. The back of the club is like a wave breaking over, with live white water and movement evoking the liveliness of the sea. One level down is the heart of the building, the club room and facilities for meetings, education and socialising. It holds a small commercial kitchen and separate kitchen facilities for life guards. The area is capable of holding 130 people and will be where community engagement takes place. On the ground floor are the practical elements required of a modern surf lifesaving facility. “The bottom level is all operational with Jet Skis, RUV’s and everything needed to protect the community on the beach and in the water.” Tender documents are being prepared with Cassidy Construction indicating interest as principle contractors. Stages one and two amount to 70% of the total project while stage three, which can now proceed given the additional funding about the internal fit-out. “Cassidy Construction have just completed the Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club and did a wonderful job. The relationship with Cassidy Construction just feels right for us.” Steering the build is Anthony Pattison from Wellington, who Andrew describes as a great project manager. “This whole project has been a real labour of love for all involved. Many of us now are nearing the end of our surf lifesaving years and this seems a fitting legacy for us to create for this wonderful community.” 12 Papawai Place, Masterton Mitek Frames and Trusses • J Frame LVL Frames and Trusses Complete drafting services from concept through to full working drawings
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