Cyclone Gabriel hit New Zealand
in February 2023 with
ferocious intensity,
causing widespread destruction across the country. Bethells Beach, a cherished coastal spot near Auckland, bore the brunt of the storm along with the other West Coast beaches. Among the many structures affected, the Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Patrol building experienced significant damage as club members and the local community watched the river take pieces of the deck and most of the land area between the building and the river.
and powerful winds, resulting in severe flooring and landslides
The cyclone brought torrential rain
Floodwaters inundated the gear shed and the foundations under the lounge and bunk rooms were undermined by the rushing flood water. The building needed partial demolition
to ensure that what remained was safe to use, club members and the local community very generously donated the funds required to complete the work.
​
The building, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of beachgoers, is no longer fit for purpose and its functionality has been severely reduced.
Portacoms were hired over the 2023-2024 summer to ensure that the beach patrols could operate. This poses a significant challenge not only to the club's operations but also to the overall safety of the beach area.
The Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Patrol building, a critical part of the community's safety infrastructure, faced extensive damage.
Articles
After the cyclone, the clean-up begins at Te Henga Bethells Beach | Stuff
Cyclone Gabrielle: Devastating moment Bethells Beach Lifesaving Patrol club’s deck washes away in floods - NZ Herald