Kariaotahi Surf Lifesaving Club

While plans were made to renovate the original, dilapidated clubhouse at this west coast site back in 2007, members soon recognised that a new building would make better financial sense. However, it took some time for cogs to turn and funding to be established, with Auckland Council first replacing buildings at Muriwai, Karekare, and North Piha, before giving the okay for work to begin on Kariaotahi ’s new facility in 2025.

To ensure the new building would stand strong against the area’s salt-laden winds and wild weather patterns, the fresh, new clubhouse was clad and roofed in robust COLORSTEEL Altimate®. This product was donated to the project by New Zealand Steel with the aim of helping to create a lasting solution for the surf club, which is located just around the corner from the Steel Mill.

“We’re really proud to have had the support of New Zealand Steel down here at Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi, supporting our new build,” says Brad Walters, President at Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving. “For such a large-scale business to be supporting our small clubhouse is amazing.”

The well-used clubhouse hosts training events and community functions, as well as being the centre of operations for many rescues each year. New Zealand Steel is highly involved in the community of Waiuku, as a large-scale employer of local residents. This made the donation a meaningful gesture, with the clubhouse catering to those who work and live in the area.

Altimate® was chosen for the project due to its ability to stand up to exposed coastal locations like this one. Made from a marine grade aluminium substrate and finished with COLORSTEEL® paint technology, it offers superior protection against corrosion. This made it a perfect product for this site, says Project Manager Karl Neems of Aspect Roofing, who oversaw the installation.

“I’d like to see more Altimate® used in areas like that because it's a hardy product and you get a lot of bang for your buck. For harsh environments it’s a good option,” he says. “Aluminium is always a little bit different to work with because it expands and contracts, which means the flashings need to be designed to give it movement. The overall design looked great when it was all finished.”

Ironsand was an apt colour choice for the project, helping the building to tie in with the rugged, black sand beach. A trapezoidal profile lends an understated aesthetic with high structural integrity, important when facing high winds.

The old clubhouse was demolished almost exactly at its expected life span of 50 years old. This new building is destined to outlast it by decades, despite being built at one of the harshest coastal spots in the country. With its new facility, Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi can continue its important work of keeping beach goers safe, while also remaining a vital pillar in the Waiuku Community.