Sunlive – Breaking land on Bowentown Rescue Center

After more than five years of planning, WaiHī Beach’s lifeguard has reached a major landmark – the breaking ground on the Bowentown Rescue Center.

This long -awaited unit, now officially consented for construction, will be a critical asset for rescuers and emergency services, improving response times and ensuring safer results for those who need it.

In February, representatives of the key groups of interested parties gathered for a state-of-the-art ceremony, marking the beginning of a project that will transform the management, searches and first aid treatments at Bowentown Beach.

The event included a special blessing of Maori, with Reon Tuanau and his father, Kaumāu Roger Tuanaufrom te whanau a tuwhao hapū.

A new era to save life at Bowentown

For 25 years, the rescuers patrolled Bowentown Beach without a dedicated base, responding to emergency situations at WaiHī Beach Club Clubhouse, a series of huts, Gazes and, more recently, a mobile patrol utility. The new hub will change that.

“This is a game exchanger,” said Andrew Cochrane, the rescue and rescue coordinator for search and rescue.

“For years, I responded from North End, packing and transporting equipment before we can even start a search or rescue.

“During the floods of May 2023, we lost all access to our vital equipment, rescue vehicles and Clubhouse. Having a hub built for Bowentown purposes means faster response times and in our work line, this can mean the difference between life and death. “

Beyond saving the surf, the installation will be available as a vital response to emergency situations for incidents that require collaboration between agencies, including police, firefighters, ambulance and coastal guard.

It will include a dedicated first aid treatment room, providing improved privacy and care – a major improvement in current conditions where first aid is often administered on the beach.

Equipping the hub

The consent of the building has been insured and it is expected that the construction will start in five or six weeks. By the middle of the year, Bowentown Rescue Hub will have to be fully equipped with emergency tools.

A list of necessary articles is updated regularly, and some have already been generously donated. Anyone who is interested in supporting the project can check the list and get in touch to help complete the remaining goals.

A community effort

The project was possible due to the support of key funders, including TECT and Valder Ohinemuri Charitable Trust and dedication to professionals who guided the process.

A special mention is addressed to Craig McQuoid Consulting, which provided its free services, playing a crucial role in bringing the project at this time. Kirk Roberts guided the preliminary stages of the construction.

At the last -minute ceremony, representatives of WaiHī Beach, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Western Bay of Plenty District Council (including Mayor James Denyer), IWI, Community groups and emergency services, participated in the last -minute ceremony. The first symbolic return of the soil was made by Andrew Cochrane (Waiī Beach Lifeguard Services), John Mutlow (Otawhiwhi Marae), James Denyer (Western Bay of Plety district) and Mike Crosby (Bowentown Beach Holiday Park).

A line of interested parties: LR advance Polo, regional manager SLSNZ East region, Roger Tuanau, Christiaan Maarhuis Senior Lifeguard & Board Member, Garston otawhiwhi Marae Environmental Coordinator, Andrew Cochrane, John Mutlow, James Denyer Primary WBOPDC, Mike Crosby Beach Beach Beach Park, Reon Tuanau, Hiria Crosby Bowentown Beach Park, Reon Tuanau, Hiria Crosby Bowentown Beatar Kayes, Slsnz Club Support Lead – Coromondel, Donna Pfefferle WaiHī LifeGuard Services, Kelvin Blackwell Project Manager.

With more than 5320 patrol hours, seven rescue, 13 assistants, 1470 preventive actions, 11 searches and 64 first aid cases already registered this season, the need for this facility is undeniable. This is not just a building – it is about saving life and serving the community for the coming years.

For more information on how to support the project or donate essential equipment and see more photos of this symbolic ceremony, access to https://www.waichibeachlifeguards.nz/breaking-ground-on-the-bowentown-rescue-hub/