New clubhouse.
Same Strong Community.
Our ClubIt is more than just a building. It’s an investment in the future of our beach, our people, and our community.
For generations, Ōmanu Surf Club has stood watch over our coastline protecting swimmers, training young lifesavers, supporting families, and creating a place where lifelong friendships and community spirit thrive. Now, it’s time to build a facility that can support the next generation for decades to come.
The vision for ĹŚmanu is to create a modern, fit-for-purpose clubhouse that strengthens lifesaving capability while becoming a welcoming hub for the wider community.
A LegacyA Home for Future Generations
Every summer, thousands of people enjoy our beaches. Behind the scenes, our volunteer surf lifesavers dedicate countless hours to patrols, training, rescues, youth development, and emergency response.
But our current facilities are no longer keeping pace with the needs of our growing club and community.
The new clubhouse will provide:
Modern lifesaving and first aid facilities
Inclusive amenities for families and accessibility needs
Dedicated training spaces for future lifeguard
Improved equipment storage and emergency response capability
Community spaces for events, education, and connection
A lasting home for ĹŚmanu Surf Club for generations to come
This is not simply about constructing a building. It’s about building resilience, safety, belonging, and community pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our current clubhouse has served the community for many years, but it no longer meets the needs of our growing club, lifesaving operations, and community programmes. A new facility will provide safer, modern spaces for training, patrols, equipment, and community use.
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One of the unique things about the Omanu Surf Club is its location in the middle of a busy and growing residential community. The new building design and scope is a considered effort to ensure that we are striking a middle ground between making sure that we are future proofing the activities of the Club, that the new build is affordable, and importantly that the new building sits comfortably within its environment and the community.
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The project is currently in the planning and consenting stage which will likely take most of 2026 to complete. Assuming this is achieved we would hope to be in a position to commence the build in Q1/Q2 of 2027 once the summer lifeguarding season is completed.
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Item descriptionRealistically, it will likely take up to 12 months to complete. The aim is to achieve the bulk of the construction work during the winter months to minimise the impact on normal Surf Club and community activities.
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Once the consenting process is complete, the project will go through a formal tender process. Experienced construction companies will be invited to submit proposals, which will be reviewed based on quality, experience, safety, cost, and ability to deliver the project.
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The cost of the new building won’t be known until the consenting process and tendering work in completed. Cornerstone funding will be provided by Surf Lifesaving NZ and their Capital Grants funds with additional funding sought from grants, sponsorships, fundraising activities, and community contributions. More details on how the community can get involved and help with fundraising will follow once the consenting process is completed.
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During the build the Club will need to move out of the existing site to allow the contractors to do their work. We are working with the Council to identify a dedicated space in close proximity to the current club where lifeguards and athletes can continue to operate out of with temporary facilities. Maintaining an effective lifeguarding service for the community over the construction period is paramount.
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Absolutely. While there will inevitably be some minor inconveniences, the public will still be able to access the beach utilising the public beach accesses as well as having the safety of a fully functioning lifeguard service during the normal operating months.
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The local community will have ample opportunity and be welcome to share their views during the notified Resource Consent period managed by the Council. In respect to the design and functionality of the proposed new build, the Omanu Surf Club and Surf Lifesaving NZ have put a lot of work in to ensure that the new building is absolutely fit for purpose and will create the best possible environment for a thriving and active Club and community both now and into the future.
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We would love all the help we can get! Once the consenting process is complete, we will have a much clearer idea on timelines and the opportunities for people to get involved. Make sure you keep checking this site over the coming months to check for any updates.