Surf club suffers long-term damage from slip

13 Feb, 2023

Following the significant rainfall over the Auckland and Northland Anniversary Weekend, a large section of the hillside behind the Mangawhai Surf Club subsided, causing significant damage to the back wall of the building.

The club and surrounding grounds have been cordoned off and due to the building being red stickered, must not be accessed until further notice. After the damage to the building Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service [MHVLS] members managed to empty the club of SLS gear, FA gear, memorabilia, and all other general chattels.

“Our club volunteers have arranged and installed temporary lifesaving facilities and running water to a safe zone outside the red stickered area, and the club will be able to provide surf lifesaving and junior surf training as scheduled through to Easter Monday,” says club public relations officer Tony baker.

The club has fenced off the lower car park area at the Mangawhai Heads Reserve and this area will be used as an operational zone for MHVLS and Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) services until further notice. This is likely to be for at least the next 12-24 months, possibly longer.

“We would like to thank the Mangawhai community for all their support and understanding during this time,” say Baker. “MHVLS continues to work closely with our insurers, Kaipara District Council, and SLSNR to formulate a plan moving forward for the club.”

n Keep an eye on club communications such as Facebook for the latest developments. If you wish to donate to the club to assist with ongoing operational costs, the club’s Give-A-Little page is active.

Mangawhai surf club building now stands empty after being red stickered. PHOTO/MHVLS