Significant Funds Invested in Waitārere Beach

PHOTO: Surf Life Saving New Zealand. DULUX

Exciting Developments Unfolding at Waitārere Beach

Waitārere Beach is undergoing a significant transformation as the old Levin-Waitārere Beach surf club carpark is set to receive a comprehensive upgrade. This makeover will encompass the installation of new public toilet facilities, outdoor showers, a picnic area, a freshly laid concrete footpath, carpark resurfacing, and the addition of new parking line markings upon project completion.

This endeavor has been made possible through a generous $500,000 grant from Horowhenua District Council’s Better Off funding. This funding not only facilitated the planned improvements but also provided support for the construction of the new $3.2 million Waitārere Beach Surf Life Saving community facility in the vicinity. The enhancements extend to the parking facility, public toilets, infrastructure, landscaping, removal of exotic species, and the introduction of native plantings.

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This project represents a significant improvement in amenities for the beach community, particularly during the bustling summer season. Mayor Bernie Wanden expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing that Waitārere Beach’s allure as a top New Zealand destination, especially during the summer, is set to be further cemented.

While the eagerly anticipated Waitārere Beach Surf Life Saving community facility is poised to open its doors in the coming weeks, the carpark upgrade, which commenced last month, is expected to conclude by the end of summer. To minimize disruptions during this time, the carpark will remain open, although some sections may be temporarily closed during the upgrade.

The existing public toilets have been closed and will be relocated to a new site by late 2023. In the interim, public toilets are available at the Waitārere Beach Domain further up the road. Additionally, the recycling station at the carpark will remain accessible throughout the construction period.

The old, earthquake-prone surf club building will soon be demolished, as it no longer serves its intended purpose and has fallen into disrepair. The new community facility, with a capacity for up to 200 people, will provide vital support for surf life-saving patrols, rescue operations, and training.

An artist’s impression of the new surf club building at Waitārere Beach before it was built. The building has now recently been completed.

Notably, the state-of-the-art Surf Life Saving Club facility features:

A patrol tower or watch room
Training and beach education rooms for junior surf development and youth beach safety education, accessible to school groups, the public, and club members
A well-equipped kitchen and facilities to accommodate up to 200 people for community-related events in alignment with surf life-saving
Changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a first aid room
Storage facilities for the Surf Life Saving Club’s rescue and training equipment
Additional amenities such as a deck, patio, barbecue area, outside rinse showers, and a wash-down forecourt.

A design of proposed new plans for the carpark area at Waitārere Beach.