Breaking Ground on the Bowentown Rescue Hub
After more than five years of planning and perseverance, Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services has officially broken ground on the Bowentown Rescue Hub. This long-awaited facility will transform emergency response at Bowentown Beach, significantly improving search and rescue operations, first aid treatment, and collaboration between emergency services.
A Milestone Moment
On Sunday 23rd February 2025, representatives from key stakeholder groups gathered to mark this major milestone. The ceremony included a special Māori blessing, with Reon Tuanau and his father, kaumatua Roger Tuanau of Te Whanau a Tauwhao hapū, leading a karakia and waiata to acknowledge the significance of the moment.
“This is a game-changer,” said Andrew Cochrane, Senior Lifeguard and Search & Rescue Coordinator. “For years, we’ve had to respond from North End, packing and transporting gear before even starting a rescue. When the floods in May 2023 cut off access to our equipment and clubhouse, it reinforced just how crucial this new hub is. Having a purpose-built facility at Bowentown will mean faster response times and, ultimately, more lives saved.”
With spades, left to right Andrew Cochrane (Lifeguard, Board Member, and Search & Rescue Coordinator), John Mutlow (Iwi representative, Otawhiwhi Marae), James Denyer (Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty District Council), and Mike Crosby (Owner of Bowentown Beach Holiday Park)
Why the Bowentown Rescue Hub Matters
· Faster Response Times – Lifeguards will have immediate access to rescue equipment stored on-site, eliminating delays caused by travelling from Waihī Beach.
· Improved First Aid Care – A dedicated first aid room will provide privacy for treatment, replacing the current system where patients are cared for on the beach while waiting for an ambulance.
· Stronger Emergency Response – The hub will serve as a central base for multi-agency coordination, bringing together lifeguards, police, fire, ambulance, and Coastguard when responding to incidents that our surf lifeguards have been tasked for.
What Happens Next?
Construction is expected to begin in April 2025.
We need community support to equip the hub with vital rescue gear and first aid equipment. A list of required items is regularly updated, with some already generously donated. If you’d like to help, check out how you can contribute here.
A Community Effort
This project has been made possible thanks to TECT and Valder Ohinemuri Charitable Trust, whose support has been instrumental in getting us to this point. Special thanks go to Craig McQuoid Consulting, who provided his expertise free of charge, and Kirk Roberts, who has guided the preliminary stages of the build.
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by representatives from Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Western Bay of Plenty District Council (including Mayor James Denyer), local iwi, emergency services, and community groups.
L-R Avan Polo, Regional Manager SLSNZ Eastern Region, Roger Tuanau, Christiaan Maarhuis Senior Lifeguard & Board member, Garston Smith Otawhiwhi Marae Environmental Coordinator, Andrew Cochrane, John Mutlow, James Denyer Mayor WBoPDC, Mike Crosby Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, Reon Tuanau, Hiria Kayes, SLSNZ Club Support Lead – Coromandel, Donna Pfefferle Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Club Chair, Kelvin Blackwell Project Manager.
Lifesaving in Action
With 5,320 hours of patrols, 7 rescues, 13 assists, 1,470 preventative actions, 11 searches, and 64 first aid cases recorded so far this season, the demand for this facility is clear. This is more than just a building – it’s an investment in safety, service, and our community’s future.