Rescue Hub Trust chairman Matthew Pickering said those involved in the building project showed “strength and professionalism” since the project commenced three years ago.
“I’d like to thank them and their families too.”
Project manager Anna Roberts said it felt so good to be standing there in front of the new building.
“I’m very proud of our team.
“We’ve made the most of our little piece of paradise, and Covid did have a silver lining.”
She paid tribute to the part former East Coast MP Kiri Allan played in helping secure the necessary funding from Government.
She also thanked the council and iwi for their support, and the way builders Dawson Building went about their work.
Shannon Williams from Kanoa, the Regional Economic and Investment Unit, said the project was completed on time and on budget.
“Well done.”
She also acknowledged tangata whenua and paid tribute to the role the former Midway SLSC building had played in saving lives.
Ms Williams pointed to the 120-plus people who had worked on the building.
“I feel a sense of calm and beauty inside what is an absolutely spectacular facility.
“Congratulations on behalf of Kanoa and the Government.”
Mayor Rehette Stoltz said “projects like this don’t just happen”.
She also acknowledged tangata whenua and the various funding organisations.
“A lot of hard work went into making this project happen.
“It’s a facility that will serve everyone in Gisborne and we deserve this as a community, because it’s been a bloody tough year,” she said.
Builder Peter Dawson said he hoped “the Hub” and other new projects in the city “can put a smile on many faces”.
“It was a privilege to be chosen to build it,” he said.
Club chairman David Corrin paid tribute to the way the club had continued to patrol over the past two seasons, operating out of shipping containers.
“The building is fantastic but it’s the families in the club, and the memories so many of our members share, that make our club special.”
Queensland-based world surf lifesaving ironman champion, Dawson Building Midway’s Cory Taylor, was there for the opening.
“I’ve got so many special memories of Midway from when I started in the club as a youngster.
“Memories that I will cherish forever.
“I can truly say that this is the best beach in the world.
“The young ones coming through have a new facility to be part of, that presents endless possibilities,” Mr Taylor said.
In conversations with the many former Midway members there on Saturday, the praiseworthy comments flowed freely.
“Wow — what a magnificent building,” said one.
“I’m gobsmacked. What a stunning new home for the club,” said another.
“We’ve got incredible value for money that’s for sure,” said another.
Club veteran and former multiple New Zealand ironman champion Benny Hutchings was blown away.
“After all the years the club has been here saving lives, the club deserves this new home.”
One of the club’s first female members from back in the l970s said she found being there quite emotional.
“I remembered being there in the club in my teens.
“Being there for the opening was like being there again in those days, and it was so lovely to reconnect with the friendships I made back then.
“It’s also so great to see so many young ones coming through the club, to keep the club going into the future in its beautiful new home.”
The patrol flag on the clubhouse was hoisted for the first time as part of Saturday’s ceremony.
