The opening of the new Papamoa Surf Rescue Base on Saturday marks the culmination of a project 10 years in the making, with initial plans for the building going back as far as 2009 and involving hundreds of volunteers and funders.

"A new surf club was so important because of the growth in Papamoa," says Papamoa Community Surf Rescue Base Trust chairperson Jim Pearson.

"There are now around 30,000 people in our community, and we have membership numbers that are approaching 1000 people.

"Our old facility simply could not perform the service that was needed on the Papamoa coast."

The official opening, which included an address by Minister for Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash, was also a moment enjoyed by funders, club members, local iwi, former mayors and city councillors, and local MPs. Many reflected back on a project well-done.

'Securing cornerstone funding in the 2015 Long Term Plan was the catalyst the team needed to get this much-needed project up and running,” says Papamoa resident and former Tauranga City Councillor Leanne Brown.

'I remember the day we visited the old building and it was so obviously no longer fit for purpose and the club couldn't grow its membership. With a growing area the demand for their life saving service needed to keep up and it clearly wasn't.

'I remember the day we approved that initial funding, and having watched the community, funding organisations and local businesses rally together, it was a great decision! I am so proud of my contribution to this legacy project, of the tenacity and determination of the project team, especially Jim and Andrew, and of our locals. It is the best feeling seeing locals look after locals.”

The launch was also attended by former Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless.

'Wonderful to attend the opening of the new Papamoa Lifeguard base, both as a former mayor and as a donor,” says Greg.

'The base is functional, with plenty of storage for essential equipment and areas in which to train. Naturally it has splendid views from which the lifeguards can monitor the beach.

'With much fundraising taking place over the years it was an easy decision for me to donate both personally and on behalf of the Legacy Trust on a number of occasions.”

BayTrust and TECT contributed significant funds to the project, helping the Papamoa Community Surf Rescue Base Trust meet the growing costs incurred during the base rebuild.

Nash says it was 'clear to the government that this project was worth supporting when an application was made for a grant from the 'shovel ready' COVID Response and Recovery Fund in 2020”.

He says that surf lifesaving clubs, like marae, churches, town halls and memorials have been prioritised for regional development funding.

"I pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers and generous local businesses and supporters who made this happen,” says Nash.

'Not only does the Papamoa base make our beach activities safer, but it gives an opportunity for young people in particular to train as lifeguards,” says Greg. 'I believe that kind of training and commitment gives valuable skills from which great citizens emerge.

'I'm particularly grateful to all the volunteers and funders who made this project happen for the benefit of our community. Special mention should be made of Jim Pearson in putting it all together.”