Our Purpose

Our Purpose

To accelerate bold meaningful change, assisting BOP communities and the environment to flourish.

Community Stories


< Community Stories / Papamoa Surf Rescue Base

Papamoa Surf Rescue Base

Papamoa Surf Rescue Base

Keeping people safe when the surfs up

We're delighted to announce that Papamoa’s new surf club building has been approved a $400,000 grant.

The Papamoa Community Surf Rescue Base Trust was one of four successful applicants in our inaugural Community Amenities funding round which was designed to support building or upgrading community and environmental assets across the region.

BayTrust CEO Alastair Rhodes says Papamoa is growing at a rapid rate and the surf club’s current base is clearly no longer fit-for-purpose. “A dedicated team of volunteers are working hard to raise the $5 million required for a new rescue base, which will also serve as a multi-purpose community hub.

“We’re extremely pleased to be able to contribute $400,000 towards this project and know that it will make a significant difference to the surf club, Papamoa residents, and everyone who enjoys this beautiful stretch of coastline.”

Chair of the Rescue Base Trust, Jim Pearson, said the Trustees were delighted with the news.
 

“The new building has been on the plans for nearly seven years, and we are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. To have the support of BayTrust means we can move with greater confidence and surety into the build phase.”

A total of 43 possible projects were considered by BayTrust after applications were called for earlier this year. These were narrowed down to four which best fitted with BayTrust’s ‘outcome areas’ and overall vision of ensuring the Bay of Plenty is the greatest place to be.

Rhodes says the Community Amenities Fund is designed to grant between $100,000 - $500,000 to capital projects that deliver new permanent facilities, or upgrade and preserve existing community and environmental assets.

All projects must have sufficient funding in place to complete the work and must also have ongoing financial support to cover maintenance and operating costs.

“We have set aside $1.25m annually for the new Community Amenities Fund and are looking to support intergenerational community and environmental assets that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Rhodes explains.