Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service Inc.

MHVLS is a not-for-profit volunteer community organisation that provides essential surf life saving and community education services

Northland

Founded in 1963 the Mangawhai Heads VLS Inc. has been saving lives and educating the community every summer since. With accolades in After Hours Rescues and recognised as one of the top Surf Life Saving Clubs in the Northern Region, MHVLS is a not-for-profit that runs on funding gained from Central Government funding (lifesaving purposes) fundraisers and donations from the public.

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The Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) was formed in 1963. Since this time MHVLS has delivered its Volunteer Lifeguard every summer, ensuring public safety in Mangawhai Heads.

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Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) marks new chapter with official Clubhouse reopening 2 June 2026

On 2 May, the Mangawhai community gathered to celebrate the official reopening of our Clubhouse. The event marked the end of a challenging 3 year journey & the beginning of a new chapter.

Te Uri O Hau kaitiaki Albert Shelford opened the proceedings with a karakia. Following this, Club Chair Jess Costello & Northland MP Grant McCallum cut the ribbon, officially welcoming everyone back into the clubhouse for the first time since 2023.

Northland MP Grant McCallum highlighted the importance of the club’s leadership & the financial support provided by both Central Government and Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Te Uri O Hau CE, Rhys Manukau, acknowledged the club's respect and manaakitanga in working alongside iwi, particularly in the efforts to preserve Te Pa o Te Manga Te Whai.

SLSNZ Board Chair Kelvyn Eglinton praised the dedication required to repair the facility and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the club's growth as it continues to serve the Mangawhai community.

Club Chair Jess Costello noted that the clubhouse is more than just a building.

"It is a place of mauri," said Costello. " a place where we connect—to one another, to the ocean, and to our shared duty of serving Mangawhai. The support we have received from our Stakeholders, Surf Lifesaving Partners, members, and the wider community has been our strength."

On behalf of the MHVLS team, the club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported us.

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