Refurbished “Red Shed” to be officially opened

Two organisations are set to benefit from the refurbishment of Taranaki's "Red Shed" when it is officially opened on September 17.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and Coastguard Taranaki have formed a joint venture which will see co-ownership of the shed, situated on Ocean View Parade.

The Red Shed has been home to SLSNZ in Taranaki for a number of years. Coastguard Taranaki had previously been working out of a makeshift facility nearby, so the alliance made great sense to both the parties.

Funds raised by Coastguard enabled the building to be expanded and updated and the space will now serve as a permanent base for staff and Surf Life Saving's local callout squad as well as provide a facility for gear storage.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Central Region Manager Charlie Cordwell says the utilisation of the building is of great benefit to both organisations.

"Not only does it encourage cooperation across our organisations but as charities, there are important costs savings to be made and it ensures the economic viability of the building long-term," he says.

Coastguard Taranaki Fundraising Coordinator Colin Hunt says "we see this as an excellent opportunity to join forces with SLSNZ and are confident the alliance will be mutually beneficial going forward."

An official opening will take place on site at 2.30pm on Saturday September 17.

For more information, please contact:

Charlie Cordwell
Central Region Manager
Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Phone 027 557 1015
Email charlie.cordwell@surflifesaving.org.nz