When Surf Lifesaving New Zealand launched its recent national volunteer recruitment campaign, the aim was simple: connect willing volunteers with surf clubs that need support.

For Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services, it did far more than that.

Apprentice mechanic Meg Taitoko saw the campaign and reached out – not because she came from a surf lifesaving background, and not because she was looking to patrol.

Taitoko had just moved to Waihī Beach for work at Waihī Beach Automotive, and she reached out with one unexpected, brilliant question: “Is there any way I can help with your engines and gear?”

That single message has since become one of the best examples of how volunteering can begin in surprising ways, and how crucial behind‑the‑scenes skills are to keeping surf clubs running.

Within weeks of reaching out, Taitoko was in the club workshop welding new engine trolleys used to move and store the IRB engines.

Her handiwork has made lifeguarding operations safer, smoother, and more efficient, a club spokesperson said..

Even better, her contribution has saved the club more than $1000 that can now go directly into first aid supplies, emergency gear, and lifeguard training.

Taitoko’s journey didn’t stop at the workshop door.

Through helping out, she became part of the club whānau and soon took the next step: training and qualifying as a surf lifeguard.

It’s a full-circle story – one volunteer response to a national call-out turning into real operational support, real financial savings, and a brand-new lifeguard on the beach.

A place for everyone

Taitoko’s story shows there’s no single “right way” to volunteer. Whether someone wants to be on patrol or prefers to support behind the scenes, every skill matters and every contribution strengthens the club.

Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services is always looking for people to help in a wide range of roles, including:

Operational support

Gear checks and stocktakes

Equipment maintenance

Organising storage and systems

Logistics & event support

Event set-up and pack‑down

Behind‑the‑scenes co-ordination

Working bees and club upkeep

Painting

Cleaning

Small jobs and repairs

Events and fundraising

Event planning and organisation

On‑the‑day support

Promotion, comms and social media

Fresh ideas to help the club grow

Communications

Photography

Short storytelling

Sharing the club’s impact across channels

Whether you have specialist skills, a spare hour or simply a willingness to pitch in, the club will help you find the right fit. Every volunteer helps keep Waihī Beach safer for the community.

Keen to get involved?

Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services welcomes anyone interested in lending a hand.

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