Former lighthouse property owners and Coastguard New Zealand supporters Neil Naran and Shirley-Anne Williams.

The 26-hectare north-facing headland property at Cape Rodney on Leigh Peninsula just north of Auckland comprises some 1.5 kilometres of coastline real estate – with exclusive access to its own private beaches. It sold earlier this year for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.

Bordering the Goat Island Marine Reserve land, the clifftop property at 100 Omaha Block Access Road sits on a headland which separates Pakiri Beach to the north, and Omaha Beach to the south.

At the tip of the landholding is a working lighthouse which has been a flashing beacon since 1967. Producing a beam of LED light projecting some 10 nautical miles out into the Hauraki Gulf, the fully automated solar-powered lighthouse is administered by Maritime New Zealand.

As part of marketing the waterfront headland property for sale, its philanthropic former owners, Neil Naran and Shirley-Anne Williams, committed to donating $50,000 to Coastguard New Zealand following a successful sale of the headland. The couple made good on their word – visiting Coastguard New Zealand’s headquarters in Auckland for an official hand-over of their donation.

“Being on the coast, and with the lighthouse on our headland, we always had a very close affinity with the sea. And part of that was appreciating the outstanding work Coastguard New Zealand does protecting boaties,” said Neil Naran.

“Having seen the lifesaving work which Coastguard New Zealand has undertaken supporting and promoting boaties in need as well as the coastal environment, it was an easy decision for us to offer financial support.

“Shirley-Anne and I had owned the Cape Rodney block for quite some time, and it had obviously appreciated in value over the years, so we felt comfortable giving some back to the community.”

Coastguard New Zealand chief executive officer Callum Gillespie said: “Coastguard is delighted to receive this generous gift.”

“The lighthouse at Leigh has kept mariners safe for decades and the gift to Coastguard arising from the sale of the property continues this tradition and will help save lives at sea.”

The clifftop lifestyle block property 100 Omaha Block Access Road was sold through Bayleys Matakana salesperson Kellie Bissett who came up with the innovative idea to connect her vendors with Coastguard New Zealand as a way of generating buyer interest both domestically and internationally.

“I really listened to Neil and Shirley-Anne when they talked about their love for the property when we were listing the home, and what came through strongly throughout the process was their passion, love, and respect for the sea,” said Bissett.

“So, with the lighthouse on the headland, Coastguard New Zealand was an obvious charity partner to align with. It certainly helped boost interest in the home among potential buyers – who all applauded Neil and Shirley-Anne’s generosity.”

The property has access to multiple swimming and snorkelling spots along its edges, with magnificent rock outcrops in between harbouring snapper, crayfish, kingfish, paua and sea eggs. Seals can often be seen basking at the bottom of the track connecting the home to the water.

For further information or images of 100 Omaha Block Access Road and the donation to Coastguard, contact Kellie Bissett. Phone 027 530 6843 or email kellie.bissett@bayleys.co.nz