Entry received from: Horowhenua District Council
Category: The BERL Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results
A success story of how local authorities working with other agencies can produce incredible results, Te Whare Waitā - the new Waitārere Beach Surf Life Saving Community Facility – will support surf life saving patrol, rescue operations and training for years to come, keeping our community and visitors safe as they enjoy our beautiful beach.
It was in 2013 when we first set off on the mission to replace the run down and no longer fit for purpose Waitārere Beach Surf Life Saving Club building with a fresh and modern facility our community can be proud of. Through strong collaboration with multiple agencies that we were able to turn this dream into reality, with the ribbon being cut on 2 December 2023 to open the iconic new facility.
Ten years after the idea was conceived, representatives of Ngāti Huia ki Matau, Ngāti Huia ki Poroutawhao and Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, blessed the impressive new facility overlooking the Tasman Sea as the sun rose over the Tararua Ranges. A special moment in our local history with many people to thank for it.
Thank you to our category sponsor