Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Patrol Secures Anchor Funding for Club Redevelopment

Written By Kevin Hill

Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Patrol (RSLSP) has reached a major milestone in its long-term redevelopment, securing anchor funding of approximately $1.9 million from Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Club Capital Project Fund, providing the foundation to deliver a new, fit-for-purpose surf lifesaving facility for the Bream Bay community.

The anchor funding — representing around 35% of the total project budget — confirms strong confidence in the project and enables RSLSP to progress confidently toward construction. The total redevelopment budget is $5.5 million, with a clear funding plan in place to secure the remaining support.

The project is evidence-based and future-focused, responding to well-documented operational limitations of the existing building and the growing demand on lifesaving services at Ruakākā Beach — one of Northland’s most popular and high-risk coastal environments.

A Proven Need, A Lasting Impact

Between 2020 and 2025, Ruakākā lifeguards:

  • Responded to 201 incidents including rescues, searches, and first aid

  • Took 2,922 preventative actions to stop incidents before they occurred

  • Safeguarded more than 22,000 beach users

  • Delivered beach safety education to over 3,300 students

 

With 354 members, the club’s current facilities no longer support safe, efficient operations or volunteer wellbeing. The redevelopment will significantly improve lifesaving capability, training, emergency response, and long-term sustainability.

Project Ready to Deliver

The project is well advanced:

  • Resource consent has been issued

  • Developed design is complete

  • Site suitability confirmed through geotechnical, coastal hazards, and planning assessments

  • Secure lease in place until 2055

  • Robust governance, build, and funding committees established

  • Clear, staged funding and delivery plan confirmed

 

The preferred solution involves demolishing the existing clubhouse and constructing a new two-storey main building and single-storey storage facility, purpose-designed to meet current and future needs for the next 10–15 years.

Acknowledging Key Support

RSLSP extends sincere thanks to Whangārei District Council (WDC) for contributing $100,000 toward design and consent through the Whangarei Communities Fund, and Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) for their leadership and support in helping secure the anchor funding and progress this critical community asset.

“This redevelopment will future-proof lifesaving services at Ruakākā Beach and support the volunteers who keep our community safe,” said Tania Ahrens, President of Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Patrol.

“This project is about protecting lives — today and for generations to come.”

Community Support Still Needed

While anchor funding provides a strong foundation, additional support is required to fully deliver the project. RSLSP is now seeking:

  • Commercial sponsorships

  • Philanthropic donations

  • In-kind contributions of materials, services, and expertise

  • Community fundraising support

  • Every contribution helps bring this vital facility closer to reality.

 

Get Involved

To support the Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Patrol redevelopment, visit:
www.ruakakaslsp.org.nz/donate

For sponsorship or partnership enquiries:
Ian Palmer – Sponsorship Manager
SponsorshipManager@ruakakaslsp.org.nz

General enquiries:
Tania Ahrens – President
president@ruakakaslsp.org.nz

Kevin Hill