NZCT Helps Nelson Surf Life Saving Club Build New Clubhouse!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Nelson Surf Life Saving Club (NSLSC) a $125k grant and have indicated support in principle for an additional $125k grant later this year for the construction of a new purpose-built clubhouse at Tāhunanui Beach. The $4.6 million redevelopment project will replace outdated and fragmented facilities that have limited the club’s ability to deliver effective lifesaving services across the Nelson Tasman region.

NSLSC currently provides volunteer surf lifesaving and rescue services across 300 kilometres of coastline, with Tāhunanui Beach one of the region’s busiest recreational spaces. However, operations have been spread across multiple sites, including converted shipping containers, creating logistical challenges, and limiting training capacity and emergency response efficiency.

The new clubhouse will include a fully equipped operations room for patrol coordination and emergency response, dedicated training and education spaces, secure storage for rescue and surf sport equipment, and a community-accessible hub for meetings and resilience training. Designed as a sustainable, multi-purpose asset, the facility will support lifesaving patrols, regional and national surf sport events, youth leadership programmes, and beach and water safety education.

Noah Hosie, President, Nelson Surf Life Saving Club, says “This grant will help save lives across our region. It will improve Search and Rescue response times and strengthen beach education.”

Junior Surf Coordinator, Lifeguard and Parent Desra Fergusson says, “Receiving this fundraising support means we will be able to build a true home for everyone. It will give us easy access to training, allow us to run indoor sessions when the weather is bad, and create a hub for connection and growth. As a parent and coordinator, I see how much this will simplify logistics, keep us organised, and provide a safe, welcoming space for all. This will reshape the future of our club and our kids."

Thirteen-year-old rookie Pipi Wyatt says "Since joining surf lifesaving, I’ve become much more confident in and around the water. I’ve learnt so many skills in understanding risks at the beach, first aid, and performing rescues. There is so much more to learn and I’m really looking forward to becoming a full Surf Lifeguard later this year!"

NZCT General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications Ben Hodges says,

"Volunteer surf lifesavers play a vital role in keeping our beaches safe. We’re proud to support a facility that will strengthen emergency response, training, and community safety for generations to come. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnership we share with Ocean Lodge via their host responsible gaming lounges.”