Mount Maunganui-Papamoa

The Mount Maunganui-Papamoa coastline is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most heavily used coastal recreational environments. Stretching from Mauao through to the long open beaches of Papamoa, the coastline supports year-round swimming, surfing, walking, fishing, and family recreation. Rapid residential growth and increasing coastal use have further intensified exposure to surf-related risk across the region.

But behind this popularity sits a persistent pattern of preventable drowning. Between 1980 and 2025, 46 people lost their lives to preventable drowning along this coastline.

This report is available for use by anyone with an interest in working with us to reduce drowning. We welcome feedback and ideas in support of the recommendations.