Old Mt Maunganui Surf Club to make way for a state-of-the-art rescue centre

Metal fencing has been erected around the Mount Maunganui Surf Club house as work begins on a $3 million rebuild.

Life member and patrol captain, Kent Jarman, used an initialled sledgehammer to mark the start of the demolition.

He says he had "mixed emotions" as he built the wall he unceremoniously smashed a hole in.

The new building is expected to be completed in December and will have more room for rescue and response, operations and equipment.

Easter weekend marked the end of Surf Life Saving New Zealand's patrols over the summer.

However a spokesperson for Surf Life Saving New Zealand told 1 NEWS there are a number of ways people can stay safe, which include:

Always keep a very close eye on children in or near the water. Don't overestimate you or your children's ability to cope in the conditions. Preferably be in the water next to them at all times on a surf beach. Get a friend to swim with you - never swim or surf alone.

Jarman told 1 News it has been a busy year and although they don't have large swell like some west coast beaches to contend with, they're kept busy in the off-season with injures on Mount Maungaui.

It's hoped the new surf club will be finished by the start of the season.

Meanwhile members are still looking for about $700,000 in funding to complete the build.