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New surf life saving rescue centre opens

The Port of Tauranga Rescue Centre has been officially opened by the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and Economic and Regional Development Minister, Stuart Nash.

The new centre in Mount Maunganui serves as a hub for surf life saving operations in the eastern region of the North Island.

It is set up to act as a rescue coordination point for any major beach and surf rescues made under the watch of Surf Life Saving Eastern Region, which comprises 19 surf clubs from Hot Water Beach in Coromandel to Tairawhiti/gisborne.

The 1,300 sqm building also accommodates clubrooms, offices

Rescue Centre will be there to support these first responders whenever they need to act in an emergency or coordinate a large-scale search and rescue.”

He says the rescue centre is a tangible way to deepen the Port’s connections to the communities living along the east coast. “We look forward to a long and enduring relationship with the community organisations that will call the Port of Tauranga Rescue Centre home.”

Donal Boyle, Trustee of the Omanu Beach Charitable Trust that developed the centre, says the Port’s support is a game-changer for surf live saving in the region. “It means we can get on with