Port of Tauranga's multi-million dollar rescue centre is now open.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern officially opened the centre this afternoon, which received $2.9m of Government funding from the Covid-19 Response and Recovery fund.
The rescue centre has secured surf lifesaving facilities for one of New Zealand's most popular coastlines, according to the Prime Minister.
'As the largest Surf Life Saving Club in the Bay of Plenty, boasting over 700 members, Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club is a crucial part of this community,” says Ardern.
'Around 150 local people were employed over the course of building this valuable infrastructure, and the benefits will be ongoing not just for the people of Tauranga but for everyone that enjoys the Eastern Region.
'When we announced the CRRF in July 2020, it was with this specific intention, to create jobs, support industry and provide much-needed economic stimulus across Aotearoa.”
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaking at the opening event. Photo: Taylor Rice/SunLive.
The new Centre serves as a hub for Surf Life Saving Eastern Region, comprising of 19 surf clubs from the top of the Coromandel all the way to Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Government funding of $2.9 million from the CRRF supported the build of the 1300 square-metre facility, alongside funding from the Port of Tauranga, Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust and other community organisations.
Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash followed up the Prime Minister's speech by saying the CRRF helped replace funds that 'could not be raised” due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the loss of traditional funding and fundraising opportunities.
'This is a great example of a constructive cross-organisation approach getting the best outcome for their community,” says Nash.
Minister for Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash speaking at the event. Photo: Taylor Rice/SunLive.
'The funding support enabled these organisations to take a collaborative approach, resulting in this purpose-built facility which accommodates all their joint needs under one roof.”
The $50 billion CRRF was set out in Budget 2020 and earmarked $3b for infrastructure project. Twelve surf lifesaving clubs received CRRF funding, totalling $16.99 million.
The building now accommodates clubrooms, offices and storage space for Mount Maunganui Bridge Club, New Zealand Surf Life Saving – Eastern Region, and Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
2 comments
Return on Investment
Posted on 03-11-2022 20:24 | By Slim Shady
Surf clubs have nothing to do with COVID so I guess they hang their tax payer funding hat on "economic development". I'm not convinced that there is any economic return for the region. It's just a lovely new club with all the toys for a privledged few that has been paid for by taxpayers. I don't doubt that a few lives are saved by them but the Government doesn't even fund ambulances properly. This just strikes me as vote buying. Very little cost benefit to the wider public who are paying for it
Right on the button Slim....
Posted on 07-11-2022 21:58 | By groutby
....smile and wave....say a few words and hope it goes down well with the voters, golly Ms Ardern seriously looks tired and probably over the lack of support from her MP's which is why she has to turn up most of the time....please, take a rest for the benefit of yourself and the country....
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