Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service members walked into their clubhouse before sunrise on Saturday for the first time in 240 days.

The homecoming ended eight months of operating from portacoms and marked a major step towards normality after the January 22 Mauao landslide claimed six lives.

The morning began with a karakia at the entrance, before members were led through the clubhouse as the sun rose.

They were then led into an empty gear storage shed, where a minute’s silence was held.

After the formalities, the final fencing came down and cheers erupted as members began moving equipment and gear back into the clubhouse.

The club faced a busy weekend preparing the building for another summer on the beach.

The club had initially hoped to return by August 30, but this was pushed back while it waited for further information about the risk from Mauao.

The risk assessment found a tolerable risk to life from a landslide, but an intolerable risk from rockfall, boulder fall and slips.

The club’s solution was a 168-tonne barrier made from 14 shipping containers, each filled with 10 tonnes of dunnage and chained together around the clubhouse. Installation began August 31.

Mount Surf Lifesaving Club chairman Brent Warner.

Club chairman Brent Warner described the reopening as a symbolic day for the hardest period the club had faced in its 97-year history.

“It’s been tough, but it would have been tougher without you,” Warner told members.

“Everyone has felt this. Everyone has gone through this in their own way, their own emotions, and the way that it’s affected them is different for every single person.”

Warner said the clubhouse itself was not what defined the organisation.

“This is our soul. It’s the warmth we put into this building, and it’s the conversations and socialisations that we have as individuals.”

Mount Maunganui locals reconnected during the clubhouse homecoming on Saturday morning.

He said the club’s role as kaitiaki of the sea remained at the heart of its purpose.

“We keep the people safe in and around this environment.

“And we should never forget our strength of conviction in doing that.”

Club president Russell Reardon said being back inside after so long felt strange but welcome.

“It felt different because I haven’t been here for such a long time, but it’s good to get back inside.”

His hope for the summer was simple: “Normality. Getting back to normal again. And getting the people back in here.”

Reardon also wanted to see activity return to the area around the clubhouse, as nearby businesses continued to deal with the fallout from the landslide.

Cheers erupted as fencing was removed from around the clubhouse.

Long-time member and welfare officer Grant Davis-Calvert said returning was emotional for him and many other members.

He said the past eight months had been difficult, with the portacoms lacking space for medical incidents or private conversations with people who were struggling.

He said Saturday was ultimately about bringing members back together.

“It’s nice to see this, everyone together, talking, sharing kai, drinks, just how it should be.”

Members begin moving equipment back into the clubhouse after eight months away.

Davis-Calvert said he was looking forward to getting back into the clubhouse and preparing for the patrol season.

“It’ll be good to be back in the club and just connecting with everyone.

“Patrol starts soon, so just getting everyone active on the beach in the sun.”

Tauranga Deputy Mayor and club patron Jen Scoular said the morning was both hopeful and difficult.

Scoular had been at the clubhouse with families on January 22 and said returning brought back memories of those who died.

She said the description of the reopening as a “beacon of hope” was fitting.

Zoe Blake is a multimedia journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.