Attendees received a powhiri from Thelma Karaitiana (of Ngāi Tāwhiri), who welcomed life members, other club members and supporters to Mana Moana, as the building has been named.
Dawson Building Midway Surf Life Saving Club president Rob Fergus thanked tangata whenua for the relationship shared with the club since the outset of the project.
“I would in particular like to thank Thelma, Stan (Pardoe), Arthur and Morehu. Thelma and Stan have been with us from the very beginning when we first showed them the building plans and shared ideas sitting on the deck of the old club. Your participation and guidance throughout the entire project has been immense and truly appreciated.
“I believe this building is a true reflection of how a community can come together through communication, collaboration, creativeness and mutual respect to create something truly special.”
Chairman of the Midway Surf Rescue Community Trust Matthew Pickering said they were “so proud” of the complex.
He acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Lottery Grants Board, Eastern and Central Community Trust and Gisborne District Council.
“Mayor Rehette Stoltz and her team at the council have been a beacon of positivity and a pleasure to deal with. Despite the challenges we have faced with the project it has succeeded because of something special we have here in Gisborne — unity of purpose,” Mr Pickering said.
“I’ve not experienced anything like it in my lifetime. It’s created a future-proofed facility where we can grow and thrive together.”
The Hub also provides a base for the Gisborne Boardriders Club and an aquatic collective that will eventually involve waka ama, triathlon, and other water-based sports groups.
Apryll Parata, representing MBIE, said “it was lovely to be part of something cheerful and positive”.
“This is a really wonderful project and I would acknowledge the work done by the surf lifesaving club’s project team. What a lovely, thoughtful building design — simple, elegant and classy.”
She pointed to the $371m MBIE had invested in the region on roading, agriculture and horticulture, wood processing, the airport, the Mātai centre, Kiwa Pools, the Rugby Park grandstand and Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub.
Mayor Stoltz said the building was going to be “an absolute gem for our community”.
“I acknowledge the vision of the project team. Projects like this don’t just happen.”
She also acknowledged the support of government minister Grant Robertson and the work of Dawson Building Co.
“You’ve done a great job, mate,” she said to Peter Dawson.
Work continues on finishing the Tahu Restaurant and kiosk components of the complex. The Kiosk is to open shortly and the restaurant later in the month.
The entranceway to the complex features a carved female figure holding the large “mauri” stone called Te Anaaroha (the Unity of Life), gifted to the club by Ngai Tawhiri.
The stone was found in the Munro Street area where the beach was around 1200 AD.
The figure, carved by Mr Stewart, represents Hineha Kirirangi, who named the beach Oneroa at around 1200AD. The community hub will be officially opened on November 4.
