Our new Waitārere Beach Surf Life Saving Community Facility.

The building was opened on Saturday 2nd December 2023 with a karakia, pōwhiri to welcome guests, and official handing over of the key. The community was then invited to the open day, to have a nosey and appreciate the space in all its glory. This is a beautiful building that has been a long time in the making.

'Te Whare Waitā’ translates to ‘the house of Waitā’. Waitā, one of the stars in the Matariki constellation, is connected with the ocean and food gathered from the seas. You can look upon this star to set intentions of protecting our salt waters and living creatures in it; a fitting name for the facility housing the Waitārere Surf Life Saving Club.

As the home of the Surf Life Saving Club, the new facility will support lifesaving patrol and rescue operations and training, and boasts:

 A patrol tower and watch room

 Training and beach education rooms for junior surf development and youth beach safety education which are open to school groups, the public and members of the Club

 Kitchen and facilities to accommodate up to 200 people for community related events that closely align with surf lifesaving

 Changing rooms, toilets and showers

 A First Aid room

 Storage facilities for the Surf Life Saving Club's rescue and training equipment.

Other features include a deck, patio, BBQ area, outside rinse showers and a washdown forecourt.

To all our supporters - ngā mihi nui, thank you. We are so grateful for your contributions - this project is possible because of you!

Ngāti Raukawa, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority​, Horowhenua District Council, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Lottery Grants Board, Eastern and Central Community Trust, Levin Sport Charitable Trust, Levin Charitable Trust, Graeme Bagrie Contracts Ltd, Stephen Abbot (RFDesign), Homestead Construction and Building Contractor, Waitārere Beach Progressive Association, Waitārere Beach Scouts​, Waitārere Beach fishing club​, Waitārere Beach wardens​, NZ Police, Waiopehu College​, Horowhenua College​, Rotary Club​, Lions Club​, Altrusa Club​, Koputaroa School​, Poroutawhao School​, Levin District Brass Band​, Waitārere Beach Fire Brigade​, Levin Swimming Club, Search and Rescue Squad.