The Auckland surf park project being headed by Sir John Kirwan will feature a world first in its design and amenities with a year-round heated lagoon set to drive huge demand from surfing enthusiasts.

The former All Black icon and mental health advocate is partnering with global surf park creators Aventuur to bring the sustainably powered and operated wave pool to Auckland and revealed that, subject to full consent, the park will be based in a rural setting near Silverdale in the Dairy Flat area.

The project gained a significant boost this week when the Government confirmed it would refer the surf park to an expert consenting panel for consideration under the special Covid-19 “Fast Track” legislation designed to kick-start the economy post-pandemic.

“We’re delighted the Ministry of Environment has determined that we qualify for fast track consideration, and we look forward to working with the Government with the hope of securing full consent by the end of this year,” said Kirwan, a life-long surfer himself.

“But I’m especially excited about our ability to heat the water year-round.”

Kirwan explained that the project would also include a data centre and in a world-first, the heat generated by it would be used to warm the 2.2 hectare surfing lagoon.

“We anticipate that we’ll be able to run the lagoon temperature at around 18 or 19 degrees all year. Anybody who has surfed in New Zealand in the winter will be stoked to hear that news.”

Kirwan added that a seven hectare solar farm planned for the project will complete a “sustainable virtuous circle” by helping power the data centre with the latter then providing heating for the pool.

“Nobody else in the world has done this in this way and we’re especially proud of this innovation. It means users of the park will gain the benefit of surfing in not just a safe environment, but also literally a warm and welcoming one.

“It will also ensure the surf park attracts domestic and international tourists as well.”

Kirwan also predicted the surfing lagoon, capable of producing between 600 and 1000 waves an hour across more than 30 different settings catering to all abilities from first-timers to experts, would boost New Zealand’s performance in the Olympics where surfing debuted in Tokyo in 2021.

The project has gathered significant support from a host of prominent community-based organisations and New Zealand’s leading surfers including Paige Hareb, Billy Stairmand, Kehu Butler and Ricardo Christie.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to surf several of the wave pools around the world including Kelly Slater’s one in California,” Hareb told Stuff.

“I personally believe Wavegarden has the best technology in terms of delivering an overall high quality surfing experience for learners, intermediates and experts.

“I’ve been to the Melbourne Wavegarden several times now and it’s brilliant. But the Auckland park will be next level.”

Hareb said the high performance facilities, including a surf academy, gym and recovery centre combined with the “perfect waves being on tap” that the surfing lagoon creates will provide “the ultimate training tool” for aspiring Kiwi pros aiming to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games or on the elite World Surf League tour.

Aventuur and Kirwan have teamed up with cutting edge Spanish engineering company Wavegarden who are considered world leaders in the booming surf park industry.

“There are currently five Wavegarden facilities open and successfully operating around the world in Australia, England, South Korea, Switzerland and Brazil,” Kirwan said.

“I’ve surfed Wavegarden lagoons both in Melbourne and the Swiss Alps.

“They’re both brilliant but I believe our Auckland Surf Park project will surpass them both to be the best in the world.”

Water Safety New Zealand, Surf Lifesaving NZ, Surfing NZ and Paralympics NZ all provided letters of support for the project submission which now faces a four-person consenting panel to clear the final hurdle to break earth.

Aventuur and Kirwan are committed to ensuring the community maintains its rural aesthetic, is reflective of Aotearoa culture, and contributes significantly to both individual health and collective wellbeing.

Subject to gaining full consent, the surf park will include eco-cabins and lodging accommodation, a farm-to-table restaurant, community amenities and publicly-accessible walking and cycling trails.

The team is yet to advise a firm public opening date, but late 2026 is tipped.

Kirwan said he and the Aventuur team are sensitive to community needs in the Dairy Flat area and have already commenced engaging with locals, which will continue over the coming months.